Family Violence as Predictive of Attitudes Toward Women in Boys

Theory and research concerning family violence suggests that there is a link between such variables as exposure to family violence as a child, sex-role attitudes and patriarchal attitudes toward women, and partner abuse in adult males. The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of the relationship between exposure to parental violence and sex-role attitudes and attitudes toward women in 36 7- through 14-year-old boys, and the implications of these attitudes for violence against women in adulthood. Results of the quantitative portion of the study did not support the hypotheses; however, some support was received from a limited qualitative inquiry with mothers. Results are discussed in light of potential future research in family violence and children\u27s sex-role attitudes and attitudes toward women