Verbal Aggression in Romantic Relationships
Brittany Votendahl
Communication 302
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Introduction Verbal aggression is prevalent in many romantic dating couples across the globe. This behavior can range from small hits to one’s character to full on emotional abuse. Verbal aggression differs from physical aggression because unlike physical aggression, verbal aggression just attacks the person’s worth and character using language, not physical violence. However, verbal aggression can turn into physical aggression. Verbal aggression and aggression will be used interchangeably throughout this research and physical aggression will be explicitly stated. According to Wilmot and Hocker (2001), in dating relationships …show more content…
Since these relationships are voluntary it is important to note that even though one person in the relationship may be aggressive, the other person may choose to stay in the relationship or leave. Aggression in romantic dating relationships is not always seen as negative to the partner on the receiving end of the aggressive behavior and they may still be satisfied in their relationship. Partner aggression rates go down as people age, but for couples in relationships for long periods of time, the levels of aggression tend to stay the same and the partner seems to fight back more (Woodin, Caldeira, and O’Leary, …show more content…
(2001). Interpersonal Conflict (Sixth ed.). New York, New York: McGraw Hill.
Hofstede, G. H. (2001). Culture’s consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Jenkins, S., & Aube, J. (2002). Gender Differences And Gender-Related Constructs In Dating Aggression. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 1106-1118. doi:10.1177/01461672022811009
Polkinghorn, B. & Byrne, S., (2001),"Between War and Peace: An Examination of Conflict Management Styles in Four Conflict Zones", International Journal of Conflict Management, 12, 23 – 46. doi: 10.1108/eb022848
Senge, P., Scharmer, C., Jaworski, J., & Flowers, B. (2004). Presence: Human purpose and the field of the future. Cambridge, MA: The Society for Organizational Learning Inc.
Spitzberg B. H., & Cupach W. R. (1984). Interpersonal communication competence. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.
Story, L. B., & Repetti, R. (2006). Daily occupational stressors and marital behavior. Journal Of Family Psychology, 20, 690-700. doi:10.1037/0893-3200.20.4.690
Yelsma, P. (1984). Functional conflict management in effective marital adjustment. Communication Quarterly, 32, 56-61. Doi:
Brittany Votendahl
Communication 302
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Introduction Verbal aggression is prevalent in many romantic dating couples across the globe. This behavior can range from small hits to one’s character to full on emotional abuse. Verbal aggression differs from physical aggression because unlike physical aggression, verbal aggression just attacks the person’s worth and character using language, not physical violence. However, verbal aggression can turn into physical aggression. Verbal aggression and aggression will be used interchangeably throughout this research and physical aggression will be explicitly stated. According to Wilmot and Hocker (2001), in dating relationships …show more content…
Since these relationships are voluntary it is important to note that even though one person in the relationship may be aggressive, the other person may choose to stay in the relationship or leave. Aggression in romantic dating relationships is not always seen as negative to the partner on the receiving end of the aggressive behavior and they may still be satisfied in their relationship. Partner aggression rates go down as people age, but for couples in relationships for long periods of time, the levels of aggression tend to stay the same and the partner seems to fight back more (Woodin, Caldeira, and O’Leary, …show more content…
(2001). Interpersonal Conflict (Sixth ed.). New York, New York: McGraw Hill.
Hofstede, G. H. (2001). Culture’s consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Jenkins, S., & Aube, J. (2002). Gender Differences And Gender-Related Constructs In Dating Aggression. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 1106-1118. doi:10.1177/01461672022811009
Polkinghorn, B. & Byrne, S., (2001),"Between War and Peace: An Examination of Conflict Management Styles in Four Conflict Zones", International Journal of Conflict Management, 12, 23 – 46. doi: 10.1108/eb022848
Senge, P., Scharmer, C., Jaworski, J., & Flowers, B. (2004). Presence: Human purpose and the field of the future. Cambridge, MA: The Society for Organizational Learning Inc.
Spitzberg B. H., & Cupach W. R. (1984). Interpersonal communication competence. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.
Story, L. B., & Repetti, R. (2006). Daily occupational stressors and marital behavior. Journal Of Family Psychology, 20, 690-700. doi:10.1037/0893-3200.20.4.690
Yelsma, P. (1984). Functional conflict management in effective marital adjustment. Communication Quarterly, 32, 56-61. Doi: