Impulsivity and Empathy in Dating Violence among a Sample of College Females

Abstract

The predictive factors of violence between married couples or adolescents are well-known. However, less is known about the factors relating to intimate violence among college students. This study examined sociodemographic variables (age, duration of relationship, and relationship satisfaction), impulsivity, and empathy as predictors of dating violence, using data from 474 female college students from the University of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The sample completed online the Conflict Tactics Scale 2 Short Form, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and the Short Impulsive Behavior Scale. The results indicated a higher prevalence of victimization than perpetration for psychological aggression. The obtained data showed that younger women and those in longer relationships, as well as those unsatisfied with their relationship, are more prone to experience psychological victimization or perpetration. Relationship satisfaction was also shown to be a predictor of physical perpetration causing injury. Impulsivity facets were found to have a differential weight in explaining dating violence. Empathy was shown to be a significant predictor of dating victimization, specifically “perspective taking” for psychological victimization and empathic concern for sexual victimization. These results suggest the need to develop specific interventions and prevention programs focused on relationship satisfaction, impulsivity, and empathy.

Análisis psicométrico de una escala para la detección de la violencia en las relaciones de pareja en jóvenes

“…acarrea en las víctimas, como muestran numerosos estudios (Dodaj et al, 2020;Navarro et al, 2020;Rodríguez Domínguez et al, 2020;Ruel et al, 2020;Taquette et al, 2020;Vicario et al, 2019). Los niveles trascienden de la clase social, etnia, nivel educativo u orientación sexual (López & Ayala, 2011).…”

Dating Violence: A Bibliometric Review of the Literature in Web of Science and Scopus

“…Violence in young couples' relationships is a very important and fairly widespread public health and social problem. Numerous studies (Ruel et al 2017;Navarro-Pérez et al 2020;Dodaj et al 2020;Taquette et al 2020;Rodríguez-Domínguez et al 2020) reveal a high prevalence of this type of violence among young people in different countries. The levels transcend social class, ethnicity, educational level or sexual orientation (Ortiz and Morales 2011).…”

Evaluation of the lights4violence program: reduction in machismo and acceptance of violence among adolescents in Europe

“…Personal competencies such as empathy can positively influence the development of partner relationships, but they can also influence the risk of IPV when there are deficits [ 12 ]. Both the lack of empathy and AV are precursors to violent conduct in heterosexual men [ 13 ].…”