NCJ Number
115141
Date Published
1988
Length
119 pages
Annotation
This Canadian study empirically assesses the contribution of social support theory to the sociological analysis of woman abuse in university dating relationships.
Abstract
Social support, specifically the role of male peers, is a major component of the theoretical model tested in this study. This model is designed to explain how social interactions (and their nature) with male peers are associated with various forms of female victimization in dating relationships. Study data came from questionnaires distributed to a convenience sample of 333 male undergraduate students attending 1987 summer and fall psychology, sociology, political science, natural science, and administrative studies classes at York University University of Guelph, University of Toronto, and McMaster University. Only single men and males married for less than 12 months before the study were included in the sample. The self-report questionnaire solicited information on whether subjects engaged in any intentional physical, sexual, or psychological assault on a woman within the last 12 months. The questionnaire also queried subjects on the nature and extend of their socialization with male peers. The findings indicate that male peers may perpetuate and maintain various forms of woman abuse in university dating relationships. Although the study shows the impact of negative peer influences, it also suggests that peer interactions can positively influence male behaviors toward women. Appended questionnaire, 20 tables, 225 references.