A Test of Explanations for the Effect of Harsh Parenting on the Perpetration of Dating Violence and Sexual Coercion Among College Males

Authors: Simons, Leslie Gordon; Burt, Callie Harbin; Simons, Ronald L.

Source: Violence and Victims, Volume 23, Number 1, 2008 , pp. 66-82(17)

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

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Abstract:

This study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) with a sample of 760 college males to test various hypotheses regarding the avenues whereby harsh corporal punishment and a troubled relationship with parents increase the risk that a boy will grow up to engage in sexual coercion and dating violence. We found that three variables—a general antisocial orientation, sexually permissive attitudes, and believing that violence is a legitimate component of romantic relationships—mediated most of the association between negative parenting and our two outcomes. In addition to this indirect influence, we found that harsh corporal punishment had a direct effect upon dating violence. The findings are discussed with regard to various theoretical perspectives regarding the manner in which family of origin experiences increase the chances that a young man will direct violence toward a romantic partner.

Keywords: PARENTING; HARSH CORPORAL PUNISHMENT; TRANSMISSION OF VIOLENCE; INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE; ANTISOCIAL ORIENTATION

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1891/0886-6708.23.1.66

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