NCJ Number
248358
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 29 Issue: 6 Dated: August 2014 Pages: 653-664
Date Published
August 2014
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The present study examined family of origin, individual characteristics, and intimate relationship variables as predictors of women's reports (N=209; M=29.5 years) of physical aggression toward their current or most recent same-sex partner in the past year.
Abstract
The present study examined family of origin, individual characteristics, and intimate relationship variables as predictors of women's reports (N=209; M=29.5 years) of physical aggression toward their current or most recent same-sex partner in the past year. Participants completed measures that assessed a series of family of origin, individual, and intimate relationship variables. Results of a least-squares regression revealed that identifying as heterosexual (as opposed to lesbian), higher levels of relationship fusion, more experiences of psychological aggression victimization, and having more prior physically aggressive relationships were associated with more frequent perpetration of partner violence. Results of exploratory models testing whether internalized homophobia or dominance/accommodation were indirectly related to physical aggression perpetration revealed that fusion (i.e., enmeshment with one's partner) mediated the relationship between internalized homophobia and perpetration of partner violence. Similarly, fusion mediated the association between dominance/accommodation and the perpetration of partner violence. Findings underscore the importance that individual and relationship characteristics have in predicting partner violence perpetration in women's same-sex relationships. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.