Indicators of psychological abuse associated with the length of relationships between couples

Abstract

This research analyzes the variable ‘length of relationship between couples’ and the evidence for psychological abuse in university students, providing further knowledge concerning the possible connection between the length of a relationship and evidence of psychological abuse appearing within it. The presence of the different components that make up coercive interaction in couples (disparagement, hostility, indifference, intimidation, imposition of behavior patterns, blaming and apparent kindness) is also analyzed. The study shows that relationships, as they get longer, have a greater chance of violent psychological conduct becoming evident through such indicators as trivialization, reproaches, indifference, intimidation, judging, criticizing, correcting, destructive behavior, abusive insistence and accusations. Similarly, the results indicate that there is a greater frequency of “destructive behavior” and “reproaches” the longer the relationship of the young people lasts. The research has been carried out in the context of the University of Extremadura (Spain), the sample being made up of 1.080 university students aged between 17 and 23 years or more. The findings show the need to document and raise awareness of this largely unknown form of abuse.