Publication
Title
Cyber dating abuse : investigating digital monitoring behaviors among adolescents from a social learning perspective
Author
Abstract
Just as with other forms of abuse such as bullying, dating violence is no longer limited to physical spaces. Several forms of dating violence can also be perpetrated by means of technology. Few studies have used a theoretical perspective to investigate cyber dating abuse. This study addresses this gap in the literature by focusing on the perpetration of digital monitoring behaviorsa form of cyber dating abusefrom a social learning perspective. We investigate the extent to which perceived social norms about cyber dating abuse, witnessing controlling behaviors among parents, and endorsing gender stereotypes are linked with adolescents engagement in digital monitoring behaviors. The study draws on data from 466 secondary school students (71.0% girls, n = 331) aged between 16 and 22 years (M = 17.99 years, SD = 0.92) in Flanders, Belgium, who were in a romantic relationship. Linear regression analysis indicates that being female, being older, the perceived social norms of peers, the endorsement of gender stereotypes, and having observed intrusive controlling behaviors by the father are significantly and positively related to adolescents perpetration of digital monitoring behaviors. The findings have implications for practice and underscore the need for prevention efforts to address and lower the influence of these perceived social norms. Further implications include the need for prevention efforts to focus on diminishing the impact of gender stereotypical attitudes and the influence of witnessing controlling behaviors within the family context on cyber dating abuse perpetration.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Journal of interpersonal violence. - Newbury Park, Calif.
Publication
Newbury Park, Calif. : 2020
ISSN
0886-2605
DOI
10.1177/0886260517719538
Volume/pages
35 :23-24 (2020) , p. 5157-5178
ISI
000562536600002
Pubmed ID
29294845
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Cyber dating abuse among adolescents: Unraveling its social, relational and individual antecedents.
Publication type
Subject
Law 
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 21.08.2017
Last edited 04.03.2024
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