Psychological Abuse among College Women in Dating Relationships

A questionnaire designed to measure psychological abuse and kindness was responded to by 90 college women involved in dating relationships. Analysis indicated that, while many relationships were low abuse/high kindness, a substantial number were characterized by high abuse/low kindness, high abuse/high kindness and low abuse/low kindness. An analysis of these different categories of dating relationships as well as explanations as to why young women should be in such negative relationships are included. The study also indicated significant differences between women's reports of feelings and behaviors. Finally, a comparison of past versus present relationships showed proportionately few significant differences in behaviors but many significant differences in feelings. The major finding, that some college women are in dating relationships characterized by psychological abuse, was explored, and comparisons to the literature on wife abuse and courtship violence were also included.