An Exploration of the Link Between Masculinity and Intimate Partner Violence

Current research has established links between endorsement of traditional male role norms and perpetration of intimate partner violence. However, research has not identified the cognitive and affective pathways that link masculinity ideology and beliefs about intimate partner violence. The current study examined fear of intimacy, ambivalent sexism, and relationship dominance as potential mediating factors of the relationship between masculinity ideology and acceptance of myths about partner violence in a community sample of 101 American men. Multiple regression analyses indicated that, while sexism and dominance did partially mediate the proposed relationship, fear of intimacy did not. Research and clinical implications are discussed