Young Adults’ Perceptions of Intimate Partner Violence Among Dating Couples: An Experimental Study

• In Event: Intimate Partner Violence: Prevention and Intervention

Abstract

Knowledge on young adults’ perceptions of intimate partner violence (IPV) is important as these are the ages at which most people form their first serious intimate relationships, and begin to develop norms about how to communicate within a relationship. This study uses an experimental vignette design to examine whether perpetrator/victim gender and type of violence affect young adults’ perceptions of the normality of IPV and the need for intervention. In addition, it tests whether IPV perceptions are shaped by respondents’ own IPV experiences rather than their gender. Young adults were recruited from various schools and universities throughout the Netherlands. They were randomly assigned to one of eight experimental vignettes. Results indicate that, although respondents report that the IPV described in the vignettes is not normal, overall they perceive it as not particularly in need of intervention. Findings further demonstrate that gender dynamics, the type of violence employed, and respondents’ own IPV experiences play a significant role in shaping young adults’ IPV perceptions. Implications of these findings will be discussed. From a prevention perspective, more insight into these perceptions is relevant as they show to be related to help-seeking and reporting behavior in the case of experiencing or witnessing IPV.

Author

• Karlijn F. Kuijpers, University of Missouri - St. Louis