Verbal Aggression and Physical Violence Perpetration Across Relationship Context: Gender, Adverse Childhood Events, and Conflict Management Styles

• In Event: Findings from the Interpersonal Conflict and Resolution (iCOR) Study

Abstract

Studies of psychological and physical aggression have largely focused on intimate partnerships, family relationships, and adolescent peer affiliations. The current study assesses the relative prevalence of these behaviors across different relationship contexts, including interactions with strangers. We hypothesize that there will be consistency in the prevalence of psychological and physical aggression towards friends and strangers, while aggression towards intimate partners will be more common. Further, we hypothesize that the extent and form of adverse events in childhood and current aggressive conflict management strategies will predict young adult psychological and physical aggression in this general population sample. Finally, we hypothesize that these associations will vary by respondent gender and, for conflicts with friends and strangers, by the respondent’s intimate partnership status. Data for this study come from a nationally representative sample of young adults ages 18-32. Results provide insight into the patterns and predictors of psychological and physical aggression across different forms of interpersonal relationships. Implications for youth development programs and clinical treatment of young adults prone to aggressive conflicts are discussed.

Authors

• Elizabeth A. Mumford, NORC at the University of Chicago

• Bruce G Taylor, NORC at the University of Chicago

• Noelle Miesfeld, NORC at the University of Chicago

• Mark T Berg, University of Iowa

• Weiwei Liu, NORC at the University of Chicago