How Real is Virtual Violence? Examining Psychosocial and Behavioral Outcomes of Intimate Partner Cyber Victimization

• In Event: Understanding and Responding to Cyber Victimization

Abstract

This study examines intimate partner violence victimization experiences, as they relate to negative psychosocial and behavioral outcomes. Using an age-restricted sample of college students who were in dating relationships at the time of the survey (N = 540), the study investigates: 1) the independent effects of intimate partner cyber aggression, 2) the independent effect of face-to-face experiences of intimate partner violence, and 3) the interactive effect between cyber and in-person experiences of intimate partner violence on negative outcomes. We predict that intimate partner cyber aggression victimization will relate to similar issues as face-to-face partner aggression victimization experiences, and that, when such electronic victimization experiences co-occur with in-person experiences, contribute to heightened harm.

Authors

• Alison J. Marganski, Le Moyne College

• Lisa A. Melander, Kansas State University