NCJ Number
154525
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1995) Pages: 117-122
Date Published
1995
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The current study examined adolescent reports of parental spousal violence among American college students stationed overseas; this sample provides an opportunity to compare both military and civilian families subjected to stressors characteristic of the military lifestyle.
Abstract
A total of 202 of the 683 students at the University of Maryland, Munich campus, voluntarily completed the survey. The questionnaire was adapted from the instrument used by Laner (1985). Subjects indicated on a five-point scale how often they observed one or both parents expressing nine specific aggressive behaviors toward each other. Respondents were also asked demographic information. The prediction that military families would report a higher frequency of spousal violence than civilian families was supported. There was a general trend for more spousal violence in the military families, with slapping, throwing objects, and an overall measure of violence distinguishing between the military and civilian groups. These differences persisted even when controlling for ethnic background and military rank. Spousal violence was significantly higher in commissioned officers compared to enlisted personnel. The current study does not address whether the military environment contributes to increased spousal violence or whether individuals prone to abusive behavior are more likely to join the military. Proportionate reports of spousal violence in civilian families are similar to results reported by Laner (1985), thus supporting the reliability of an adolescent's report of family violence. 1 table and 16 references