The Consequences of Perpetrating Psychological Aggression in Dating Relationships: A Descriptive Investigation

Ryan C. Shorey, Jeff R. Temple, Jeniimarie Febres, Hope Brasfield, Amanda E. Sherman, Gregory L. Stuart

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

Psychological aggression is the most prevalent form of aggression in dating relationships, with women perpetrating as much, if not more, psychological aggression than men. Researchers have advocated for an examination of the consequences that follow psychological aggression for the perpetrator, in hopes that this will lead to innovative intervention programs aimed at ameliorating dating violence. The current study investigated the self-reported consequences of having perpetrated psychological aggression against a dating partner among female college students in a current dating relationship (N = 115). Participants endorsed numerous consequences as having followed their perpetration of psychological aggression, including both punishing and potentially reinforcing consequences. Furthermore, findings indicated that for some perpetrators, psychological aggression may function as a method of emotion regulation. Implications of these findings for future research and intervention are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2980-2998
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence
Volume27
Issue number15
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2012

Keywords

  • consequences
  • dating violence
  • perpetration
  • psychological aggression

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Applied Psychology

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