The Influence of Demographic, Relational, and Risk Asymmetries on the Frequency of Intimate Partner Violence in Young Adulthood

Abstract

Social characteristics are prominent factors in mate selection, but they are also important for the quality and functioning of intimate relationships. Researchers have shown that the intimate relationships that are considered the most successful often have high levels of partner similarity. Yet this prior work is limited, as it largely focuses on demographic differences (or asymmetries) between intimate partners. In addition to demographic asymmetries, we explored how differences in relational and risk behaviors were associated with intimate partner violence (IPV). Examining data from the Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study ( n = 828), we found that young adults in relationships with demographic, relational, and risk asymmetries reported greater frequency of violence. Furthermore, we found that asymmetries in risk behavior had the strongest association with IPV. These findings highlighted the importance of considering different types of asymmetries and provided new insight into the functioning of young adult relationships.

Dyadic Analysis of Emotional Intimate Partner Violence: An Estimation of Dyadic Patterns and Influencing Individual, Family, and Couple Factors

“…Finally, males' and females' IPV perpetration scores were higher as the length of the relationship was longer, which in turn increased the victimization. This result is consistent with previous research in which higher frequency and more varied IPV was found to be related with longer relationships (Cooper et al, 2021;Kennedy et al, 2018;Lafontaine et al, 2021;Swiatlo et al, 2020). Also, the risk of bidirectional psychological IPV occurrence has been found to be higher in longer-term couples (marriage and cohabiting) (Hu et al, 2021;Lafontaine et al, 2021).…”

“…At the relational level, the relationship length has been positively related with the increase of IPV pointing out the increase of (psychological, physical, sexual) IPV frequency and variety (Cooper et al, 2021;Kennedy et al, 2018;Swiatlo et al, 2020). Furthermore, recent literature has shown more bidirectional psychological IPV risk in more established dyads (marriage and cohabiting) (Hu et al, 2021).…”

Perceived Reportability of Intimate Partner Violence against Women to the Police and Help-seeking: A National Survey

“…In contrast to previous research comparing the help-seeking behavior of married women to that of unmarried women (see Hu et al, 2021 ; Linos et al, 2014 ; Parvin et al, 2016 ), the present results suggest that women in stable relationships are more likely to report IPV to the police. More stable relationships are also expected to be longer relationships in which the likelihood of confronting conflictive couple situations is higher and IPV is likely to occur more often ( Cooper et al, 2020 ; Juarros-Basterretxea, Ocampo, et al, 2022 ; Kennedy et al, 2018 ; Lafontaine et al, 2020 ; Swiatlo et al, 2020 ). In this regard, the likelihood that women in more stable relationships will seek police help may be related to the larger history of victimization rather than to its severity; this can be considered another way to reach the breaking point, as previously documented in more severe cases ( Peterson et al, 2018 ).…”

A Prospective Study of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Illicit Drug Use in Adulthood

“…If other household members are using illicit drugs or have alcohol dependency issues, it may be necessary to involve both the primary client and their household members in behavioral therapy, family-based therapy, or other forms of small group counseling, depending on the relationships between household members (Miller et al, 2013). Practitioners can then determine how or why interactions with substance-using household members influences individuals' own substance use (e.g., simple access and exposure, or a shared activity that enhances relationship satisfaction) (Cooper et al, 2021) and provide appropriate treatment accordingly.…”