Conflict resolution patterns and violence perpetration in adolescent couples: A gender‐sensitive mixed‐methods approach

Abstract

This study used a sequential two-phase explanatory design. The first phase of this mixed methods design aimed to explore conflict resolution strategies in adolescent dating couples, and the second phase to document, from both the perspective of the individual and of the couple, dyadic interaction patterns distinguishing youth inflicting dating violence from those who do not. A sample of 39 heterosexual couples (mean age 17.8 years) participated in semi-structured interviews and were observed during a 45 min dyadic interaction. At phase 1, qualitative analysis revealed three main types of conflict resolution strategies: 1) negotiating expectations and individual needs; 2) avoiding conflicts or their resolution; 3) imposing personal needs and rules through the use of violence. At phase 2, we focused on couples with conflictive patterns. Results indicate that couples who inflict violence differ from nonviolent couples by their tendency to experience conflicts when in disagreement and to resort to negative affects as a resolution strategy. In addition, while at an individual level, they show a tendency to withdraw from conflict and to use less positive affect, at a dyadic level they present less symmetry. Results offer important insights for prevention programs.

In Search of Modifiable Risk and Protective Factors for Teen Dating Violence

“…Fernet et al. () noted that those risk and protective factors studied in adult and marital relationships manifest themselves in a similar fashion in adolescent dating relationships. In other words, romantic relationships in adolescence likely impact the nature and quality of our intimate relationships as adults.…”

“…Of course, violence is an ineffective conflict resolution strategy with a multitude of deleterious outcomes. Notably, there have been numerous studies of conflict resolution strategies (CRS) among adolescents; yet, there is little research directly linking CRS with violence in intimate relationships (Capaldi, Knoble, Shortt, & Kim, 2012;Fernet et al, 2016;Owens et al, 2005;Vagi et al, 2013).…”

“…In a related vein, it remains to be seen whether these potential risk and protective factors are truly modifiable in adolescence. For example, evidence suggests that maladaptive communication and conflict strategies as well as A/H in adolescent dating relationships tend to persist into adult relationships and marriages (Fernet et al, 2016). Likewise, Foshee et al (2005) and Wolfe et al (2003) reported no effect of the intervention on positive CRS and healthy relationships skills.…”

“…Of course, violence is an ineffective conflict resolution strategy with a multitude of deleterious outcomes. Notably, there have been numerous studies of conflict resolution strategies (CRS) among adolescents; yet, there is little research directly linking CRS with violence in intimate relationships (Capaldi, Knoble, Shortt, & Kim, ; Fernet et al., ; Owens et al, ; Vagi et al., ). Moreover, research on CRS has most often focused on maladaptive strategies and has rarely assessed the effect of constructive strategies against relationship violence (Capaldi et al., ; Feldman & Gowan, ; Vagi et al., ).…”

“…Likewise, victims of TDV are at an increased risk for violence in future intimate relationships (Exner-Cortens et al, 2013;Smith, White, & Holland, 2003). In general, the patterns of conflict and quality of relationships experienced in adolescence are linked to the quality of romantic relationships in adulthood (Bouchey & Furman, 2003;Exner-Cortens et al, 2013;Fernet, Hebert, & Paradis, 2016). Thus, developing strategies for the primary prevention of TDV in adolescence is of substantial importance.…”