NCJ Number
231024
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 25 Issue: 5 Dated: July 2010 Pages: 495-508
Date Published
July 2010
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examined the reciprocity of abusive behavior through psychological mechanisms using a sample of United States citizens who had cohabited with a romantic partner or at least 1 year.
Abstract
A national sample of adults in the United States reported on presence, frequency, emotional impact, and behavioral impact of psychologically abusive behaviors in their "worst" cohabiting relationship by their partner as well as by themselves. In addition, they completed instrumentation measuring potential outcomes from much psychological maltreatment. Results from the online survey indicated that psychological abuse of an egregious nature was highly reciprocal, although overall, respondents reported that they engaged in psychological abuse less frequently than their partners and believed that their partners experienced much less negative impact from the respondents' actions. Specific categories of psychological abuse as well as specific behaviors were also highly likely to be reciprocated. Combinations of high and low psychological abuse exhibited by the respondent and his/her partner resulted in negative outcomes whenever the partner was high in psychological abuse whether or not the respondent used these egregious tactics. Tables and references (Published Abstract)