Abstract
The most commonly used and practiced method for assessing spouse abuse is the individual's self-report of engaging in or being a victim of physical aggression. However, the socially undesirable nature of relationship violence raises questions regarding the likelihood that it is accurately reported. The current investigation found that a socially desirable response set is related to willingness to report one's own aggression. However, it is not related to willingness to report a spouse's aggressive behavior. Social desirability was not related to reports of frequency or severity of one's own aggression for individuals admitting the use of any form of aggressive behavior.
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Arias, I., Beach, S.R.H. Validity of self-reports of marital violence. J Fam Viol 2, 139–149 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00977038
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00977038