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Gender Symmetry in Dating Intimate Partner Violence: Does Similar Behavior Imply Similar Constructs?

NCJ Number
210880
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2005 Pages: 207-218
Author(s)
Jennifer J. Cercone Ph.D.; Steven R. H. Beach Ph.D.; Ileana Arias Ph.D.
Date Published
April 2005
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study compared dating intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization among a sample of male and female college students.
Abstract
Previous studies have documented the widespread prevalence of physical IPV in dating relationships. In an effort to further knowledge on this topic, the current study examined whether there is topographic symmetry of male- and female-perpetrated nonsexual dating IPV. While the authors hypothesized that this symmetry would be found, they also hypothesized that there would be asymmetry in terms of context, function, and impact of dating IPV. Participants were 206 male and 244 female undergraduate students who completed a questionnaire that collected information about demographics, behaviors during conflict in relationships, level of fear of IPV, and the context, function, and impact of the dating IPV. Results of statistical analyses indicated that while the topography of dating IPV was generally symmetrical, significantly more women reported perpetration of severe physical assault. As expected, gender differences did emerge in terms of context and function of the dating IPV, as well as in the experience of fear. The findings underscore the importance of adopting gender-sensitive approaches to the study of dating IPV. More research is needed on the context in which dating IPV occurs. Tables, figures, notes, references

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