The Effects of Academic and Interpersonal Stress on Dating Violence Among College Students

Abstract

This study examines Merton's Classical Strain Theory (1938) as a causative factor in intimate partner violence among college students. We theorize that college students experience general life strain and cumulative strain as they pursue the goal of a college degree. We test this strain on the likelihood of using intimate partner violence. Strain due to unrealistic expectations of intimate partnership and economic strain are also examined. The analysis examines the following causative factors representing strain: 1) the College Undergraduate Stress Scale (Renner & Mackin, 1998); 2) cumulative academic strain measured by college classification; 3) cumulative intimate partner strain measured as the length of time in the relationship; 4) academic strain measured by number of hours studied weekly, and 5) economic strain measured by number of hours worked weekly. Additionally, we examine the extent to which gender and race/ethnicity differentially affect intimate partner in the context of these measures of strain. The Conflict Tactics Scales II (Straus et al, 1996) are used to measure dating violence and include indicators for sexual coercion, physical aggression, injury, and psychological aggression. Data were collected from 142 students in lower-division classes from Texas Tech University. Results show that general strain and cumulative intimate partner strain increase the use of dating violence among college students. The longer dating partners are in a relationship, the higher the chances of psychological aggression, physical assault, and sexual coercion. Converse to our expectations, time spent working reduces psychological aggression due to reducing time spent together rather than reflecting economic strain.

Longitudinal Fluctuations of National Help-Seeking Reports for Domestic Violence Before, During, and After the Financial Crisis in Cyprus

“…As in large nations, the rise of domestic violence reports in small nations can also be an indirect sign that domestic violence incidents have increased. This complements a wave of studies supporting the notion that economic hardship (Golden et al, 2013), poverty (Zhang, 2012) and economic stress (Mason & Smithey, 2012) contribute to abusive behaviours in a relationship or family. Particularly, DVC fluctuations occurred in line with fluctuations in unemployment registration.…”

Stressful Life Events and the Perpetration of Adolescent Dating Abuse

“…A number of studies have also found a link between life stressors and the perpetration of intimate partner violence in adulthood (Cano and Vivian 2001;Mason and Smithey 2012;Roberts et al 2011). Very little research, however, has been conducted to determine if exposure to stressful life events increases adolescent risk for dating abuse, a prevalent form of adolescent violence (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] 2014) that results in serious and long-lasting consequences to the victim (Exner-Cortens et al 2013;Foshee et al 2013).…”

Engaging College Men in Conversations and Activities Related to Dating and Domestic Violence

“…First-year students are at greatest risk of experiencing abusive relationships, as they are away from home and their normal support networks, and often new to intimate relationships [20]. The strain of college life has also been shown to increase the likelihood of abuse, in particular among students involved in longer relationships [21].…”