Aggression in Dating Relationships Compared by Country of Origin

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to analyze prevalence levels of aggression in dating relationships and to compare this by country of origin. The study also seeks more understanding of the violence experienced by men in these countries. METHOD: A convenience sample was used; study participants were 194 females and 168 males ranging in age from 18 to 72. The measure analyzed was the Conflict Tactics Scale-Partner. Results of this scale were compared by country of origin. These included the U.S. and those in East Asia and Eastern Europe. Prevalence levels of aggression were also compared by gender. RESULTS: Participants born in Eastern Europe reported more violence than those in the U.S. and East Asia. Males born in the U.S. reported being the recipients of physical violence significantly more than women in the U.S. Also, females born in East Asia reported significantly more perpetrating of violence than males. In Eastern European countries of origin, females reported significantly more usage of negotiation in romantic relationships than males. CONCLUSION: Although some significant differences were found within countries, the differences are not enough to assert that any of the countries of origin experience more overall dating violence than the others