CHAPTER 4: INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE: SATISFICING OR MAXIMIZING? EXAMINING INDICATORS OF RELATIONSHIP COMMITMENT
After decades of research, the devastating, systemic effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the United States are undeniable (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000; Davis, 2013; Morrison, Luchok, Richter, & Parra-Medina, 2006; Stith, McCollum, Rosen, Locke, & Goldberg, 2005). The literature suggests a variety of physical, psychological, and social impacts that women experience in association with intimate partner violence (Johnson & Ferraro, 2000; Straus, 2007). With such substantial and convincing evidence of harmful outcomes, researchers and advocates alike, have been curious to understand why victims stay in IPV relationships (Hendy, …show more content…
Despite many common assumptions, IPV impacts women of all races, religious groups, and socioeconomic status (Gillum, 2002; Huang & Gunn, 2001; Morrison, Luchok, Richter, & Parra-Medina, 2006) and may result in serious physical and mental health consequences (Campbell, 2002; Powers, Curry, Oschwald, & Maley, 2002). Intimate partner violence is linked to a multitude of systemic issues, such as diminished physical health, increased risk for mental health distress, and difficulties in their interpersonal sphere (Davis, 2013; Stith, McCollum, Rosen, Locke, & Goldberg, …show more content…
Given that decisions about romantic partners are some of the most important ones in life and therefore require significant resource investment, it would follow that some individuals might practice even greater vigilance when selecting a partner. Accordingly, previous research has demonstrated that people tend to demonstrate great care and choose more conservative options when selecting a potential dating partner (Beisswanger, Stone, Hupp, & Allgaier, 2003). Since maximizers would typically be more sensitive to regret, more acutely aware of alternatives, and more hesitant to invest in the relationship if there was a chance their partner might not be the best choice for them, it seems plausible to assume that relationship satisfaction and commitment would be lower for these individuals. However, no previous research has been conducted with these variables in the context of violent
After decades of research, the devastating, systemic effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the United States are undeniable (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000; Davis, 2013; Morrison, Luchok, Richter, & Parra-Medina, 2006; Stith, McCollum, Rosen, Locke, & Goldberg, 2005). The literature suggests a variety of physical, psychological, and social impacts that women experience in association with intimate partner violence (Johnson & Ferraro, 2000; Straus, 2007). With such substantial and convincing evidence of harmful outcomes, researchers and advocates alike, have been curious to understand why victims stay in IPV relationships (Hendy, …show more content…
Despite many common assumptions, IPV impacts women of all races, religious groups, and socioeconomic status (Gillum, 2002; Huang & Gunn, 2001; Morrison, Luchok, Richter, & Parra-Medina, 2006) and may result in serious physical and mental health consequences (Campbell, 2002; Powers, Curry, Oschwald, & Maley, 2002). Intimate partner violence is linked to a multitude of systemic issues, such as diminished physical health, increased risk for mental health distress, and difficulties in their interpersonal sphere (Davis, 2013; Stith, McCollum, Rosen, Locke, & Goldberg, …show more content…
Given that decisions about romantic partners are some of the most important ones in life and therefore require significant resource investment, it would follow that some individuals might practice even greater vigilance when selecting a partner. Accordingly, previous research has demonstrated that people tend to demonstrate great care and choose more conservative options when selecting a potential dating partner (Beisswanger, Stone, Hupp, & Allgaier, 2003). Since maximizers would typically be more sensitive to regret, more acutely aware of alternatives, and more hesitant to invest in the relationship if there was a chance their partner might not be the best choice for them, it seems plausible to assume that relationship satisfaction and commitment would be lower for these individuals. However, no previous research has been conducted with these variables in the context of violent