NCJ Number
117496
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1989) Pages: 47-62
Date Published
1989
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Based on reports from 143 male college students, the relationship between a dating partner's perceived level of competitiveness and combativeness is examined.
Abstract
In this sample, higher levels of combativeness by both partner and self are found to be associated with partners' increased use of socially undesirable tactics for gaining and/or maintaining control within the relationship. Combativeness does not appear to be associated with even high levels of partners' efforts to control, however, if the win/lose game is played out in socially desirable forms of behavior. However, as scores on a measure of unpleasant competitive behaviors increase, so do scores on a measure of combativeness. Recommendations are offered to educators and counselors regarding the nexus between competitiveness and courtship problems. 4 tables and 43 references. (Author abstract modified)