AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ACCEPTABILITY OF DATING VIOLENCE

This study examined the relative acceptability of dating violence. Using an experimental design, subjects read descriptions of dating violence that varied according to the seriousness of the relationship, the sex of the perpetrator, and the setting in which the violence took place. Subjects were more tolerant of violent behavior when the depicted relationship was serious and when the perpetrator was female. Relationship status affected not only acceptability but also the appropriateness of various actions that might be taken following the episode, particularly those that would alter or end the relationship. Violent behavior by a male was judged to be less acceptable, more injurious, and more criminal. In addition, relative to female victims, male victims were seen as needing less recourse or redress. Male and female subjects presented essentially similar histories of dating violence (both victimization and perpetration), and previous experience did not affect responses to the dating scenarios.