Role of Entitlement and Self-Control in the Link Between Family Risk and Dating Violence Perpetration

• In Event: Intimate Partner Violence from Adolescence Through Adulthood

Abstract

Dating violence is widespread in college student dating relationships. Approximately one-third of U.S. college students report dating violence and the prevalence of physical assault perpetration among dating couples is as high as 45%. The effects of these experiences may result in poor mental health outcomes such as depression, low self-esteem, and re-victimization. Though research has examined risk factors for dating violence perpetration, few studies have examined the various pathways through which child physical abuse may affect dating violence and how these pathways vary by geographic location. Purpose: To examine whether (1) self-control and general entitlement and (2) sexual risk and drug risk behaviors mediate the relationship between child physical abuse and dating violence perpetration. Method: Participants included 1,482 college students enrolled in undergraduate courses at two large public universities, including 778 (52.5%) from the South and 704 (47.5%) from the Midwest. Results: Both Southern and Midwestern college students who experienced more child physical abuse and have a greater sense of entitlement were more likely to perpetrate dating violence. Participation in more risky sexual behaviors and drug use was also positively linked with perpetrating dating violence. Geographical comparisons revealed some significant differences in risk behaviors between Southern and Midwestern college students.

Authors

• Kimberly A. Tyler, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Rachel Schmitz, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

• Colleen Ray, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Leslie Gordon Simons, University of Georgia