Citation

Josephson WL, Proulx JB. J. Interpers. Violence 2008; 23(2): 189-208.

Affiliation

University of Winnipeg. (w.josephson@uwinnipeg.ca)

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0886260507309340

PMID

18162636

Abstract

A structural equation model based on social cognitive theory was used to predict relationship violence from young adolescents' knowledge, self-efficacy, attitudes, and alternative conflict strategies (n = 143 male and 147 female grade 7-9 students). A direct causal effect was supported for violence-tolerant attitudes and psychologically aggressive (escalation/blame) strategies on physical violence against dating partners and friends. Knowledge and self-efficacy contributed to using reasoning-based strategies, but this reduced violence only in boys' friendships. Knowledge reduced violence-tolerant attitudes, thus reducing escalation/ blame and physical violence. Attitudes toward male and female dating violence (ATMDV and ATFDV) were indicators of general attitudes toward violence among non-dating students but ATFDV affected physical violence and ATMDV affected psychological aggression for both dating boys and girls.

Language: en