Psychological Distress Among Men Experiencing Physical and Emotional Abuse in Heterosexual Dating Relationships

Abstract

This study examined men's experiences of both emotional and physical abuse in their heterosexual dating relationships. Seventy male undergraduates responded to questionnaires about their current or most recent relationship. Approximately 90% of the men reported having received at least one form of verbal aggression or other emotional abuse from their partner in the past year, and 40% reported having been the target of at least one act of physical violence from their partner. Men who reported receiving more emotional and physical abuse in their dating relationships also reported greater levels of overall psychological distress and depression. Implications for prevention programs and future research are discussed.