Abstract
Based on reports from 143 male college students, the relationship between a dating partner's perceived level of competitiveness and combativeness (one's own and one's partner's) is examined. Competitiveness is seen as a direct measures of efforts to exert control. Findings show that even high levels of “pleasant” competitive behaviors are unrelated to combativeness. However, as scores on a measure of “unpleasant” competitive behaviors increase, so do scores on a measure of combativeness. Recommendations are offered to educators and counselors regarding the nexus between competitiveness and courtship problems.
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Laner, M.R. Competition and combativeness in courtship: Reports from men. J Fam Viol 4, 47–62 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00985656
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00985656