Relationship dimensions, negotiation and coping: differences by gender and by use of violence among college students

Serious dating relationships of college freshmen (H = 284) were investigated, comparing relationship dimensions, negotiation styles and coping strategies between violent and nonviolent students and between male and female respondents. Multiple analysis of variance techniques revealed significant effects for gender and violence on the dependent research variables. Findings indicate that men report more conflict in their dating relationships than women. When negotiating, women use more Ultimate Effort strategies. With respect to coping, women are more likely to use Social Support while men are more likely to rely on Withdrawal techniques. Those in violent dating relationships report greater conflict and ambivalence. In addition, violent dating partners use more Direct Appeal, Negative Affect, Indirect Appeal and Ultimate Effort negotiation styles and more frequently rely on Anger/Blaming and Withdrawal coping strategies.