The Relationships Between Parent Communication Patterns and Sons' and Daughters' Intimate Partner Violence Involvement: Perspectives From Parents and Young Adult Children

Abstract

This study examined the communication patterns of parents and how they related to intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization among young adult children. One hundred and ninety-three undergraduate students and 287 parents participated in this study. Hypothesis One predicted that parental conformity orientation would predict sons' and daughters' reports of IPV perpetration and victimization, whereas Hypothesis Two predicted that parental conversation orientation would predict sons and daughters reports of their own use of and an intimate partner's use of negotiation tactics. Both hypotheses received partial support. The results suggest that parent communication patterns have the potential to be both a risk and protective factor for young adult children's involvement in IPV. The findings also draw attention to important differences in the relationships that mothers and fathers have with their children, and differences between parent and child perspectives on parent communication.