Risk factors and correlates of dating violence: the relevance of examining frequency and severity levels in a college sample

To determine whether categorizing levels of violence along dimensions of frequency and severity would result in informative distinctions among individuals using dating violence, reported use of physical violence, along with variables theorized to be related to use of force in intimate relationships, was assessed in a sample of 617 college students (males = 290; females = 327). When participants' scores were analyzed by dichotomizing them along the lines of ever versus never using dating violence, numerous past findings were replicated. However, participants using a higher frequency of force were distinguished by needing to control their partner and by less inhibition in expressing their anger. Higher severity of force by an individual was predicted only by a need to control his/her dating partner. Implications for these findings were discussed
Author: 
Follingstad,D.R.
Bradley,R.G.
Laughlin,J.E.
Burke,L.
Notes: 
DA
Reprint Status: 
ON REQUEST (06/21/07)
Start Page: 
365
End Page: 
380
Journal/Periodical Name: 
Violence and Victims
Volume: 
14
Issue: 
4
Abstract: 
The author examines risk factors for dating violence using self-reported methods. In all, 327 female and 290 male 1st-year college students were questioned about their exposure to violence. Students completed 12 measures that asked questions about coping skills, dating violence, and the use and perceived effectiveness of violence and control in interpersonal relationships. Results indicate that students that self-reported dating violence attributed it primarily to efforts to control the actions of their dating partner. Stress and communication issues played a large part, as did jealousy and difficulty dealing with anger. Men who reported committing dating violence tended to have more alcohol problems. The researchers indicate that there were no major differences in negative evaluation apprehension, self-esteem, or problem-solving skills between nonviolent and violent groups.
Topic Areas: 
College; male-female relations; perpetration; risk
Reference Type: 
JOUR
Reference ID: 
2390
Publication Date: 
1999