Citation

Simons LG, Burt CH, Simons RL. Violence Vict. 2008; 23(1): 66-82.

Affiliation

Department of Child and Family Development, University of Georgia, USA. lgsimons@uga.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Springer Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

18396582

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.

Language: en