NCJ Number
247394
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 19 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2014 Pages: 219-234
Date Published
June 2014
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article examines psychological aggression in lesbian, gay, and bisexual intimate relationships.
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is characterized by physical, sexual, and/or psychological aggression against a current or former partner. Recent research has found that IPV is prevalent in the LGB (lesbian, gay, bisexual) community at rates equal to or higher than those for heterosexuals. However, little research has been conducted on the effects of psychological aggression (PA) on LGB individuals. This review presents an overview of common conceptualizations of PA, highlighting different definitions of PA, different ways of measuring PA, and different instruments used for assessing PA. The review then discusses the various findings from studies examining the prevalence of PA among LGB individuals. The review found that PA perpetration and victimization occurs frequently among both men and women in the LGB community, and that occurrences of PA are often associated with jealousy, relationship problems, and attachment concerns for both LGB men and women. Directions for future research are discussed. Tables and references