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Cost-Inflicting Mate Retention Tactics Predict the Perpetration of Cyber Dating Abuse

  • RESEARCH ARTICLE
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Abstract

Cyber dating abuse involves the use of electronic communication technology to direct abuse towards a romantic partner. Research has explored the perpetration of cyber dating abuse through an evolutionary lens, suggesting people use technology to perform mate retention tactics. Namely, previous research has found that mate value discrepancy and intrasexual competition predict the perpetration of cyber dating abuse. However, we do not yet know whether there is a direct relationship between cost-inflicting mate retention tactics and cyber dating abuse. Here, we directly explored whether cost-inflicting mate retention behaviours predict the perpetration of cyber dating abuse across two studies (study 1, n = 132; study 2, n = 124), finding strong support. We also explored the role of the Dark Triad in the perpetration of cyber dating abuse, and contrary to previous literature, we found no support. Our research furthers our understanding of the factors that drive cyber dating abuse from an evolutionary perspective.

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Notes

  1. The recruitment method and procedural facets were the same for studies 1 and 2. Psychology students were awarded research credits for taking part in the study. Once they accrue a certain number of credits, they can then use the research participation scheme for their own projects. No incentives were provided for members of the public.

  2. Note: we do not use these terms in a clinical manner.

  3. Although sex was a significant predictor, we did not follow this up with an independent samples t-test, due to the disproportionate men and women who took part in the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY, UK

    Manpal Singh Bhogal & Dionne Wallace

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  1. Manpal Singh Bhogal
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  2. Dionne Wallace
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Contributions

MSB and DW formulated the project. MSB designed studies 1 and 2. DW designed study 2. MSB collected data for study 1, and DW collected data for study 2. MSB and DW wrote the article.

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Correspondence to Manpal Singh Bhogal.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Bhogal, M.S., Wallace, D. Cost-Inflicting Mate Retention Tactics Predict the Perpetration of Cyber Dating Abuse. Evolutionary Psychological Science 8, 1–9 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40806-021-00307-8

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