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Sex Differences in Relationship Aggression Among Young Adults in Germany

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Abstract

The study examined the prevalence of physical aggression in the relationships of young adults in Germany. A convenience sample of 248 women and 400 men aged between 17 and 29 years provided reports of physical aggression shown toward and experienced by a partner using the revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2). Sex differences were found for several physically aggressive behaviors measured by the CTS2, mostly for minor forms of physical aggression. All sex differences were in the direction of women scoring higher than men on the perpetration of aggressive acts, and men scoring higher than women on being the targets of partner aggression. The findings are discussed in the context of the current debate on sex differences in relationship aggression.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Potsdam, Germany

    Barbara Krahé & Anja Berger

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Potsdam, Postfach 60 15 53, D-14415, Potsdam, Germany

    Barbara Krahé

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  1. Barbara Krahé
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  2. Anja Berger
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Correspondence to Barbara Krahé.

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Krahé, B., Berger, A. Sex Differences in Relationship Aggression Among Young Adults in Germany. Sex Roles 52, 829–838 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-005-4202-z

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