Gender roles and intimate partner violence among female university students in Spain: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Traditional gender roles (GRs) have a considerable influence on relationships among couples. These can lead to negative health effects in women; however, their impact on intimate partner violence (IPV) has been less explored, especially among younger women. Objective To explore the association between traditional GRs and several indicators of IPV on a sample of Spanish female university students involved in heterosexual dating relationships. Methods A cross-sectional study involving female university students (n = 1,005) pursuing ten degrees (four Health Science degrees and six Social Sciences degrees). Data were collected using two validated scales: 1) the Questionnaire on the Gender Determinants of Contraception (COGANT), used to examine four traditional GRs (submissive, blind, and passive attitudes of female students, and male dominance), and 2) the Dating Violence Questionnaire-R (DVQ-R) scale, used to measure five types of IPV-behaviors (coercion, detachment, humiliation, sexual violence, and physical violence), perceived fear, entrapment, and abuse. Logistic and linear regressions were conducted to study the association between GR and a series of IPV indicators in dating relationships. Results Traditional GRs were highly prevalent (57.0% submissive, 52.0% blind attitude, 75.7% passive, and 31.7% identified their boyfriend as being dominant). Up to 66.3% experienced some type of violent behavior. All GRs were significantly associated with IPV indicators. A submissive attitude in female students was the GR that was most strongly associated to total IPV-behavior (adjusted odd ratio [OR] = 3.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.29–4.42), followed by male dominance (OR = 2.79: 95% CI:1.71: 4.54). Both GRs were also highly associated with perceived fear, entrapment, and abuse. Conclusions A high presence of traditional GRs was found in the relationships held by female university students, which was significantly associated with IPV indicators. Universities must adopt policies for gender equality and raise awareness on dating violence.

Short version of the Multidimensional Scale of Dating Violence (MSDV 2.0) in Spanish‐language: Instrument development and psychometric evaluation

“…students, since at those ages, young people's first relationships usually begin or are consolidated (Llano-Suárez et al, 2021). Prevention and detection is also crucial in this context, since universities are institutions that promote health, ensure the right to the freedom, physical and emotional integrity of all its collective, and are guarantors of progress in our society (Spanish Network of Healthy Universities, 2021).…”

“…TDV‐VP Scale (Soriano et al, 2021), Dating Violence Questionnaire‐R (DVQ‐R; Rodríguez‐Díaz et al, 2017), Conflict in adolescent dating relationships inventory short form (CADRI‐S; Fernández et al, 2012) and the Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS) in its different versions, modified (CTS‐M; Ronzón et al, 2019) or revised (CTS‐2; Anderson & Leigh, 2011). Most of these instruments have been validated in young university students, since at those ages, young people's first relationships usually begin or are consolidated (Llano‐Suárez et al, 2021). Prevention and detection is also crucial in this context, since universities are institutions that promote health, ensure the right to the freedom, physical and emotional integrity of all its collective, and are guarantors of progress in our society (Spanish Network of Healthy Universities, 2021).…”

Lifestyle and Violence among Dating in University Students

“…Studies by Anicama Queneche [31], Boira et al [32], and Casique [33] show that women who are victims of intimate partner violence are forced to have sex without a condom or do not have a say in the fnal decision of whether to use a condom or not, which is intrinsically related to our data. Llano-Suárez et al [34] used the Dating Violence Questionnaire-R (DVQ-R) aimed at university students in Spain and found that most of them were passive, submissive, coerced, and detached; they sufered humiliation and experienced sexual and physical violence by a dominant and aggressive partner. Te studies of Anitha and Lewis [15], Díaz Martínez [16], Diéguez Méndez et al [35], López Francés and Tapía [17], and Sharoni and Klocke [18] like ours established that training and education regarding dating violence is essential for both men and women.…”

“…Studies are fundamental for planning prevention and intervention programs against dating violence in university environments, according to Alp Yilmaz and S ¸ener Taplak [25]. Llano-Suárez et al [34] also stated that universities should adopt policies about gender equality and raise awareness about dating violence.…”

Intimate Partner Violence and Academic Emotional Exhaustion among University Students: A Public Health Perspective

“…Similarly, academic emotional exhaustion, marked by feelings of burnout, fatigue, and disengagement from academic pursuits, is prevalent among students and can have detrimental effects on their academic performance and overall well-being (Kelmendi & Baumgartner, 2020). Studies have shown a bidirectional relationship between intimate partner violence and emotional exhaustion, with experiences of violence contributing to increased stress and decreased academic functioning, and academic stressors exacerbating the risk of intimate partner violence victimization or perpetration (Llano-Suárez et al, 2021).…”