NCJ Number
118351
Date Published
1989
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This study tested the concept, proposed by many researchers, that male-female sexual and physical abuse are influenced by gender identity in the form of compulsive masculinity for abusive men.
Abstract
The model upon which the study was based contained proper controls for self-esteem and other variables known to influence abuse. The study sample included 505 (298 females and 207 males) students from upper-level classes at a large midwestern university. Physical abuse was measured by the Conflict Tactics Scale, and sexual abuse was measured by self-reported infliction and victimization with dating partners over the past year. The Conflict Tactics Scale was also used to measure the degree to which respondents witnessed and/or sustained physical abuse in childhood. Gender identity was measured with the Burke and Telly (1977) instrument (measures the meanings that people attribute to themselves and others on the basis of gender). Other variables measured were self-esteem, acceptance of aggression, and behavioral involvement in the relationship. Results suggest that a more feminine identity is associated with both inflicting and sustaining abuse for both males and females. Because these results hold for both males and females, traditional male-oriented theories of physical and sexual abuse should be reconsidered. 2 tables, 12 notes, 77 references.