Controlling Behaviors Victimization and Perceptions of Space for Action Among Married Women and Men in Rural China: The Moderating Effect of Fear

Abstract

Victims of controlling behaviors in intimate relationships experience situations that diminish their space for action. That is, the more victims encounter controlling behaviors by their intimate partners, the less capacity they perceive for adaption to and making choices in daily life. This study explores the relationship between controlling behaviors victimization and space for action among married women and men in China. Most important, this study also examines the role that fear plays in this relationship, which so far has been uncommon. Using data collected from a community sample of 973 married individuals (women and men) with a mean age of 45.53 from a rural area in northern China, this study found a negative correlation between controlling behaviors victimization and space for action. When controlling for the variable of victim’s fear, the relationship between controlling behaviors victimization, and space for action differs by gender. The moderation analysis showed that controlling behaviors victimization was significantly and negatively associated with space for action when the female participants reported feeling fear, whereas the effect was not significant for male participants. These findings provide empirical evidence concerning the effect of controlling behaviors on victims’ freedom in rural China, highlighting a need for greater awareness of this social problem. The findings of this study may also be used to inform the development of programs and policies to improve victims’ safety and well-being in China.