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Relationship Problems and Dating Aggression: A Potential Treatment Target

NCJ Number
141156
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1993) Pages: 18-35
Author(s)
D S Riggs
Date Published
1993
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the association between problems in dating relationships and the occurrence of physical aggression in these relationships.
Abstract
A total of 667 college students (268 men, 399 women) completed the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) and the Relationship Problem Scale (RPS). A factor analysis of the RPS revealed seven underlying problem areas: subject's jealousy, partner's jealousy, fighting, interference of friends, lack of time together, breakdown of relationship, and problems outside the relationship. Individuals who were aggressive toward their partners and those who were victims of their partner's aggression reported more problems in their relationships than did individuals in nonaggressive relationships. Also, several specific problem areas such as jealousy, fighting, breakdown of the relationship, and the interference of friends were reported more often by aggressive individuals. Aggressive individuals also indicated that the problems were more severe. These results support the need to address general problemsolving issues in any program designed to treat or prevent dating aggression. Whether the relationship problems lead directly to the aggression or if both the aggression and the problems reflect some third variable, apparently aggressive individuals face a greater level of conflict within their relationships. Reducing this conflict through counseling or training might be effective in reducing the occurrence of dating aggression. Prevention and treatment efforts should include general skills training in the areas of negotiation and compromise in addition to addressing the specific problems faced by a couple. 6 tables, 2 notes, and 20 references