Gender differences in attributions of self-defense and control in interpartner aggression
- PMID: 12322014
- DOI: 10.1177/1077801297003005002
Gender differences in attributions of self-defense and control in interpartner aggression
Abstract
PIP: Previous research into gender differences suggest that the frequency of domestic abuse is equivalent for men and women, that forms of abuse differ by gender, that outcomes are more negative for women, and that the motive for abusive behavior is a desire on the part of men to control women and a desire on the part of women to defend themselves. Based on these predictions, this study compared broader contextual questions of outcomes and attributions to shed light on the gender-specific nature of domestic abuse. Data were gathered from 30 women and 34 men who were involved in violent relationships (not with each other). Data were gathered from the women using the Conflict Tactics Scale and from both groups using the Relationship Abuse Questionnaire. It was found that the frequency of verbal, psychological, threat, and physical abuse did not differ significantly by gender. However, there were major gender differences in outcomes of physical, verbal, psychological, and threat abuse. Men reported frightening their partner significantly more often and were more concerned with controlling the woman. Attributions for abuse also differed between men and women, with women showing a strong self-defense motive. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings and to refine the study instruments. Research is also needed to advance efforts to use the term "battering" as a distinction from violence that is employed for self-defense.
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