Perceived Social Norms for Intimate Partner Violence in Proximal and Distal Groups

Abstract

This study investigated students' perceived descriptive social norms for intimate partner violence (IPV) among proximal and distal groups at college. Male and female college students estimated the prevalence rates for IPV among same-sex friends (proximal group) and same-sex "typical students" (distal group). In separate regression equations for men and women, perceived estimates of IPV rates for same-sex friends, but not estimates for same-sex typical students, were positively related with the participants' own IPV behaviors. Findings have important implications for IPV prevention and intervention programs for college students.