Influence of Parental Conflict Resolution Strategies on Hispanic College Women’s Experiences With Verbal Aggression

Abstract

The study investigates the relation between interparental verbal aggression, parent-daughter verbal aggression, and verbal aggression in female Hispanic college student's dating relationships ( N = 599). Results showed that mothers' high levels of verbal conflict with fathers were predictive of having high levels of verbal conflicts with their daughters. This in turn, predicted daughters' use of verbal conflict with their intimate partner. Similarly, fathers' high levels of verbal conflict with mothers were predictive of having high levels of verbal conflicts with their daughters. However, this was not found to be predictive of daughters' use of verbal conflict with their intimate partner.

Hispanic Parents’ Conflict Tactics Influence on College Women’s Verbal Aggression Victimization

“…The study also found that fathers’ use of VA toward the daughter influences mothers’ use toward the daughter but not vice versa. The finding supports prior research findings about the influence of paternal machismo behaviors on familial conflict (Dietrich & Schuett, 2013; Oramas et al, 2015). Prior research findings would suggest, more specifically, the ways in which a father, that is, the dominant force in the family, can subordinate all other members, including the wife (Skuja & Halford, 2004; Snethen & Van Puymbroeck, 2008).…”

“…Studies show that spouses often equally engage in IPV toward their partner and for similar reasons, where one partners' aggression is responded to with aggression (Atkin et al, 2002;Infante et al, 1990;Medeiros & Straus, 2006). In accordance with the current research, a study with a sample of Hispanic college women found that parental use of VA toward one another is correlated and also influences their use of VA toward their daughters (Oramas et al, 2015). The current study, therefore, also demonstrates reciprocity of verbal violence.…”

“…Exposure to VA between parents was not, in and of itself, influential in determining later VA victimization; the effect of exposure to interparental VA was only seen when mediated by perpetration toward the participants themselves. The current finding mirrors the dialogue regarding exposure and experience of IPV in the family of origin within IPV literature (see Oramas et al, 2015; Skuja & Halford, 2004; Snethen & Van Puymbroeck, 2008). For instance, navigating the specific effects of exposure and victimization of VA in the family of origin on later VA victimization is problematic, given that the two often co-occur (see Holt, Buckley, & Whelan, 2008).…”

“…Consistent with literature on the influence of IPV in the family of origin, the mothers’ use of VA toward the participant was influenced by her use of the tactic toward the fathers and vice versa (Halford et al, 2000; Oramas et al, 2015; Skuja & Halford, 2004). Children, therefore, are merely victims of their parents’ acceptance of VA. Research has indicated that VA is reciprocal in nature with mothers and fathers both contributing to the cycle of VA (Atkin et al, 2002; Infante, Sabourin, Rudd, & Shannon, 1990; Oramas et al, 2015). It has also been proposed that possible explanation is that the parents may generally be verbally aggressive, both within and outside of the familial setting.…”

“…Although IPV broadly and VA specifically are extremely prevalent within college dating relationships, few studies have examined these phenomena in Hispanic populations (e.g., Oramas, Stephens, & Whiddon, 2015). Unfortunately, less is known about the ways in which Hispanic college women learn and utilize VA in their intimate relationships.…”