Citation

Arias I, Beach SRH. J. Fam. Violence 1987; 2(2): 139-149.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, 30602 Athens, Georgia; Institute for Behavioral Research, University of Georgia, 30602 Athens, Georgia, USA

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/BF00977038

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The most commonly used and practiced method for assessing spouse abuse is the individual''s self-report of engaging in or being a victim of physical aggression. However, the socially undesirable nature of relationship violence raises questions regarding the likelihood that it is accurately reported. The current investigation found that a socially desirable response set is related to willingness to report one''s own aggression. However, it is not related to willingness to report a spouse''s aggressive behavior. Social desirability was not related to reports of frequency or severity of one''s own aggression for individuals admitting the use of any form of aggressive behavior.