Examining Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Dating Violence Victimization and Anger in College Students

Abstract

It has been well established that dating violence victimization is associated with various mental health problems. Relatively, little is known about similarities and differences between mental health correlates of dating violence victimization for males and females. We examined the associations between physical and psychological victimization experiences and measures of anger in a sample of 200 male and female undergraduates. Results suggest that men's victimization was more strongly associated with different forms of anger than women's victimization.

Anger-Related Dysregulation as a Factor Linking Childhood Physical Abuse and Interparental Violence to Intimate Partner Violence Experiences

“…These findings are inconsistent with those of a previous study that found anger to be more strongly associated with IPV victimization among men than women (Rutter et al, 2012); however, variations in study methodologies may account for inconsistent findings between studies, including differences in the measures of anger. Because both childhood family violence exposure and IPV are prevalent among women and men, potential sex differences and similarities should continue to be examined in future research.…”

“…A secondary aim of this study was to explore these associations in men and women because there may be gender differences in psychosocial functioning and IPV risk following family violence exposure (Afifi et al, 2008; Desai et al, 2002; Iverson et al, 2011). Similarly, prior work suggests that the strength of the associations between anger-related dysregulation and IPV may differ by gender (Rutter et al, 2012). …”

“…Similarly, preliminary data suggest a link between anger-related dysregulation and IPV victimization. Rutter, Weatherill, Taft, and Orazem (2012) found that various indicators of anger, including suppression and expression, were associated with IPV victimization among young adults. Although significant associations were found between anger and IPV victimization for men and women, the strength of associations were generally stronger for men than women (Rutter et al, 2012).…”

A daily calendar analysis of substance use and dating violence among high risk urban youth

“…Analyses were conducted separately for males and females due to potential sex differences in DV (Rutter et al, 2012; Shorey et al, 2011), using MPlus version 6.11 (Muthén and Muthén, 2010). Comparison group participants were grouped with violent injury participants because comparisons could have experienced DV prior to ED visit.…”

Revictimization Through Education: Does Learning About Victimization Lead to Anxiety and Identification as a Victim Among College Students?

“…Estimates suggest that anywhere from 10 to 92% of college students experience physical dating violence (Forke, Myers, Catallozzi, & Schwarz, 2008;Harned, 2001Harned, , 2002Hines & Saudino, 2003;Knox, Custis, & Zusman, 2000;Lane & Gwartney-Gibbs, 1985;Makepeace, 1981;Rhatigan & Street, 2005;Rutter, Weatherill, Taft, & Orazem, 2012;Straight, Harper, & Arias, 2003;Straus, 2004). In a longitudinal study including more than 1,000 female university students, Smith, White, and Holland (2003) found that 88% of the women in their sample reported at least one physical or sexual IPV victimization between adolescence and their fourth year of college.…”