Rural Young Adults’ Lay Theories of Intimate Partner Violence: A Qualitative Examination

Abstract

This study qualitatively examined rural emerging adults' ways of thinking (i.e., lay theories) about the causes of intimate partner violence (IPV) and ideas on how to prevent IPV most effectively. Participants were 74 individuals (majority Caucasian, heterosexual, low income) between the ages of 18 and 24 who resided in one of 16 rural communities. Participants' perceptions of the causes of IPV included (a) individual-level pathology, stress, and lack of education; (b) intergenerational transmission of violence and early-life factors; (c) relationship stressors and challenges; and (d) community factors. Furthermore, participants felt that IPV could most effectively be prevented through (a) education and awareness; (b) victim-focused efforts (e.g., teaching self-esteem); and (c) job creation. Overall, participants identified a number of established risk factors for IPV perpetration across the social ecological model, although a number were never or rarely mentioned (e.g., peer group norms, positive bystander action, and collective efficacy). Future research should examine if and how perceptions of the causes of IPV impact IPV prevention engagement and impact. Further, prevention initiatives that take into account understandings of lay theories about IPV may be more impactful in reducing IPV than prevention initiatives that do not.

Rape Myth Acceptance in Sexually Assaulted Adolescents' School Contexts: Associations with Depressed Mood and Alcohol Use

“…This is interesting given that prevention work often focuses on reducing individual‐level RMA to reduce perpetration or increase bystander action. Although there is promising evidence from tests of such interventions among emerging adults to suggest that these norms can be effectively changed (Hahn et al., ), and qualitative research suggests that helping behaviors in response to interpersonal violence are seen by young adults as driven by community factors (Edwards, Banyard, Moschella & Seavey, ), it is less clear whether such changes ultimately prevent SA and benefit survivors. The current study provides some initial evidence that changes in attitudes among students, if these changes result in shifts in social norms at the grade level, might also be an important step of creating a supportive climate for SA for survivors.…”

“What would the neighbors do?” Measuring sexual and domestic violence prevention social norms among youth and adults

“…Further, prevention programs designed to reduce DSV incidence focus on common factors such as training third‐party bystanders who may witness warning signs or who have the opportunity to model and speak up about healthy relationships and respect for interpersonal boundaries. Finally, youth and adults often think of DSV as being similar constructs and related when asked to think about one or the other (Edwards, Banyard, Moschella, & Seavey, ).…”

Elements which precipitate conjugal violence: the discourse of men in criminal prosecution

“…Such a threat can be perceived when the partner does not accept that her partner leaves the house because she imagines that he will meet other women. Qualitative research conducted in the United States also reinforces that jealousy is motivated by the fear of losing the spouse to another person, a risk factor for the occurrence of violent acts (12) , which deserves to be prioritized among the themes to be reflected from health education actions focused on relationships based on trust and respect between men and women.…”

“…For boys, they are taught the necessary tasks to become strong and independent individuals, performing functions in the public sphere, especially in providing for the home. Parental attitudes which deviate from this pattern, if not accepted by both, lead to conflicts between the couple (12) , and strategies are necessary for those responsible to find consensus which focus on the best for the lives of the children.…”

“…It should be noted that on several occasions, male dominance is understood as an expression of love. Romantic jealousy, approached by several international and national surveys, arises when there is an ideation of a threat to the relationship (12,20) . Such a threat can be perceived when the partner does not accept that her partner leaves the house because she imagines that he will meet other women.…”