Cm. Feldman et Ca. Ridley, The role of conflict-based communication responses and outcomes in male domestic violence toward female partners, J SOC PERS, 17(4-5), 2000, pp. 552-573
The general purpose of this study was to investigate domestic violence with
in a conflict framework, Specifically, the associations between conflict-ba
sed, communication responses and outcome behaviors and the frequency and se
verity of male domestic violence towards female partners were examined. Par
ticipants were 251 male volunteers who reported on a range of communication
responses and outcomes for both self and partner. The contribution of rela
tionship distress was controlled for and also examined as a moderator. Rela
tionship distress was not found to be a significant moderator. Results show
ed that 8 communication response variables and 4 outcome variables were sig
nificantly associated with the frequency and/or severity of male domestic v
iolence. Relative to non-violent relationships, relationships with male vio
lence had more male and female unilateral verbal aggression, more mutual ve
rbal aggression, more male demand/partner withdraw, less constructive relat
ive to destructive communication, and less mutual problem-solving. Relation
ships with male violence also had poorer resolution of problems and more em
otional distance after problem arguments and discussions than their non-vio
lent counterparts.