The role of mating-relevant factors in the perpetration of digital dating abuse
Abstract
Previous research has explored offline intimate partner violence from an evolutionary perspective, primarily focusing on the role of individual differences inperpetration and victimisation. However, a current form of intimate partner violence is digital dating abuse, which involves abuse towards a romantic partner, occuring online through the use of electronic communication technology. This form of abuse differs from offline abuse, in that physical proximity is not required. Although research has focused on the effects digital dating abuse has on victims, little research has focused on the perpetration of digital dating abuse. This is important, as research focused on perpetration can inform a wide range of initiatives geared towards understanding the factors which drive this behaviour. Recent research has focused on evolutionary mating-relevant factors that drive the perpetration of digital dating abuse. Here, we extended and replicated previous work by reporting two studies (study 1, n = 114; study 2, n = 162) which explored the roles of mate value discrepancy, intrasexual competition, and relationship-contingent self-esteem in the perpetration of digital dating abuse. We found that mate value discrepancy (study 1 and 2) and intrasexual competition (study 2) positively predicted the perpetration of digital dating abuse. To our knowledge, this paper is the first to provide support that those who report high intrasexual competition, engage in greater levels of digital dating abuse, thus furthering theoretical advancements in this field by showing digital dating abuse is a mate retention tactic. Our findings further our understanding of online behaviour in romantic relationships through an evolutionary psychological lens.Citation
Bhogal, M. S., Tudor, C., & Hira, S. (2022). The Role of Mating-relevant Factors in the Perpetration of Digital Dating Abuse. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(15–16), NP13707–NP13728. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605211004103Publisher
SAGEJournal
Journal of Interpersonal ViolenceAdditional Links
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/08862605211004103Type
Journal articleLanguage
enDescription
This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by SAGE in Journal of Interpersonal Violence, available online at: https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605211004103 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.ISSN
0886-2605Sponsors
Study 2 was funded by the University of Wolverhampton’s Doctoral College as part of the early researcher award scheme (ERAS).ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1177/08862605211004103
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