Cyber Dating Abuse: Investigating Digital Controlling Behaviors Among Adolescents From a Social Learning Perspective

• In Event: Growing Up With Media: Gender, Sexuality, and Romance During the Teen & Young Adult Years (HHD Session)

Abstract

This study focuses on the perpetration of digital controlling behaviors, a form of cyber dating abuse, from a social learning perspective. We investigate to which the perceived social norms about cyber dating abuse, witnessing controlling behavior among parents, and the endorsement of gender stereotypes are linked with adolescents’ engagement in digital controlling behaviors. The study draws on data from 466 secondary school students (71.0% girls, n = 331) between 16 and 22 years old in Flanders, Belgium who were in a romantic relationship. The linear regression analysis indicates that being female, being older, the perceived social norms of peers, the endorsement of gender stereotypes, and having observed intrusive controlling behaviors by the father are significantly positively related to adolescents’ perpetration of digital controlling behaviors. The findings have implications for practice and underscore the need for prevention efforts to address and lower the influence of these perceived social norm.

Authors

• Joris Van Ouytsel

• Koen Ponnet, U of Antwerp

• Michel Walrave, U of Antwerp