Gender symmetry in the self-reporting of intimate partner violence

J Interpers Violence. 2012 Jan;27(2):263-86. doi: 10.1177/0886260511416463. Epub 2011 Sep 13.

Abstract

Research has not conclusively determined whether men and women are equally likely to commit intimate partner violence (IPV). One explanation for the disparity in previous findings may be gender-based differences in reporting styles. The present study investigated whether there was any gender difference in self-reported IPV prevalence. A total of 3,740 Chinese couples from a representative population in Hong Kong were interviewed. Self-reports of men-to-women and women-to-men IPV between spouses were compared. Gender was controlled for to evaluate whether age, education, the Chinese concept of face, and other violence-related characteristics would affect the self-reporting of IPV. Findings supported gender symmetry in self-reported IPV prevalence as well as a moderate interspousal agreement in the self-reports. After adjustment for covariates, face was a significant factor predicting the interspousal differences in both men-to-women and women-to-men physical IPV.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Crime Victims / psychology*
  • Crime Victims / statistics & numerical data
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Hong Kong
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Report*
  • Sex Distribution
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology*
  • Spouse Abuse / statistics & numerical data
  • Truth Disclosure*