Influence of patriarchal sex-role attitudes on perpetration of dating violence

Male-dominant and male-controlling patriarchal ideology justifies males possessing more power and authority, using power to control women, and exerting violence when their partner shows disobedience; this ideology is increasingly recognized as an important factor explaining dating violence perpetrated by men. The present study investigated the relationship between patriarchal sex-role attitudes and dating violence perpetration, as well as the mediating influence of acceptance toward dating violence. Participants were 622 Korean male university students. First, patriarchal sex-role attitudes were found to influence acceptance toward dating violence. Second, acceptance toward dating violence had an influence on the perpetration of all three subtypes of dating violence (i.e., psychological, physical, and sexual violence). Third, patriarchal sex-role attitudes directly affected the perpetration of psychological dating violence. Fourth, the level of acceptance toward dating violence mediated the relationship between traditional sex-role attitudes and the perpetration of all three subtypes of dating violence. The findings of the study underscore the importance of sex-role attitudes among young adults. Significant implications for school counselors as well as dating violence prevention program developers are discussed.