The Effect of Relationship Dynamics in Intimate Relationships on Depressive Symptoms and Intimate Partner Violence

• In Event: 447 - Section on Social Psychology Roundtable Session (co-sponsored with Section on Sociology of Emotions)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 03. Social Relationships and Health

Abstract

The influence of relationship dynamics on depressive symptoms and intimate partner violence perpetration are assessed using the Toledo Adolescent Relationship Study (TARS) and a LISREL model. We analyzed data from the fourth and fifth interviews (22 – 29 years old) and examined whether the effect of relationship dynamics (e.g., conflict, communication awkwardness, emotional abuse, jealousy, actual partner influence and partner sexual non-exclusivity) is greater on depressive symptoms or intimate partner violence perpetration. We also evaluated whether the effects varied by gender. We found that emotional abuse increased depressive symptoms in both men and women. For women, we found that a partner’s sexual non-exclusivity increased depressive symptoms and intimate partner violence perpetration with a greater effect on IPV perpetration. For men, being gainfully active, a structural factor, had a stronger protective effect on depressive symptoms than intimate partner violence perpetration. The results of this study are mixed and suggest that men and women may react similarly or differently depending on the relationship dynamic.

Authors

• Sue Petrina Nash, Bowling Green State University

• Monica A. Longmore, Bowling Green State University

• Gary Oates, Bowling Green State University

• Wendy Diane Manning, Bowling Green State University

• Peggy C. Giordano, Bowling Green State University