Date of Award

5-15-2015

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Public Health

First Advisor

Daniel J. Whitaker, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Andra T. Tharp, Ph.D.

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive public health issue. Research suggests that the most common configuration of IPV is bidirectional. Previous research has found associations between elevated masculine gender role stress and endorsement of sexist attitudes towards women and increased likelihood of IPV perpetration. However, relatively few studies have examined these variables in relation to bidirectional IPV. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if significant differences in masculine gender role stress and attitudes towards women existed between these three groups. Results of group comparisons indicated that men in the bidirectional violence group had significantly higher mean scores for masculine gender role stress, hostility towards women, and hostile sexism than the no violence group. However, these differences did not persist, after controlling for trait aggression. These findings suggest that more research is necessary to better understand the role that individual attitudes and dispositional characteristics play in bidirectional IPV.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/7070677

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