Female-Perpetrated Partner Violence and Aggression: Their Relationship to Gender Identity

• NCJ Number: 203526
• Journal: Women & Criminal Justice Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: 2003 Pages: 81-99
• Author(s): Tracy L. Dietz; Jana L. Jasinski
• Editor(s): Donna C. Hale
• Date Published: 2003
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored the relationship between masculine and feminine personality traits and their relationship to female-perpetrated partner violence.

Abstract

Previous research has reported findings that women in an intimate partnership relationship were equally or more violent than their male counterparts. This research has been met with tremendous criticism and many explanations. This study sought to examine the relationship between female self-endorsed masculine and feminine personality traits and levels of their perpetration of partner violence. Data were collected by questionnaires completed during class in undergraduate sociology and anthropology courses at a university in the southeastern United States. A total of 261 questionnaires were completed and returned. Only those female respondents indicating they were currently involved in a relationship of at least 1 month in duration were included in the analysis. It was hypothesized that women who were perpetrators of intimate partner violence would be more likely to endorse masculine personality characteristics. The results of the study provide some support for the hypothesis. Women who engaged in psychological aggression against their partner, and who were the sole perpetrator of such aggression, were more likely to endorse feminine personality traits. This was expected since women are socialized to use psychological or social aggression, which are typically considered more socially acceptable. In addition, an association was identified between physical assault and personality characteristics. Women who were victims only of physical assault were less likely to endorse masculine personality traits than other groups. Overall, the study suggests that further attention to the relationship between female-perpetrated intimate partner violence and gender specific personality traits is warranted. Tables, references