Testing Target Congruence Theory on Emotional Abuse Victimization Experienced by Heterosexual and Non-Heterosexual College Students

• In Event: Stalking and Aggression Among Couples

Abstract

Criminological theories traditionally used to explain crime and deviance have now been applied to explain physical intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by heterosexual and non-heterosexual victims. Notably missing, however, are studies that test theories that explain why individuals may become victims of emotional abuse by sexual orientation. To this end, this study applied target congruence theory to examine the influence of target vulnerability, gratifiability, and antagonism on emotional abuse experienced by college students. Data obtained from two public universities (Heterosexuals=366, Non-Heterosexuals=113) showed partial support for the theory, with target vulnerability consistently predicting emotional abuse victimization regardless of sexual orientation.

Authors

• Egbert Zavala, University of Texas at El Paso

• Xavier Guadalupe-Diaz, Framingham State University