WITHDRAWN: Cyber Dating Abuse: Investigating Digital Controlling Behaviors Among Adolescents from a Social Learning Perspective

Introduction

Just as with other forms of violence, such as bullying, dating violence is no longer limited to physical spaces. Several forms of dating violence can also be perpetrated by means of technology. Few studies have used a theoretical perspective to investigate cyber dating abuse. This study addresses this gap in the literature by focusing on the perpetration of digital controlling behaviors, a form of cyber dating abuse, from a social learning perspective. We investigate to which the perceived social norms about cyber dating abuse, witnessing controlling behavior among parents, and the endorsement of gender stereotypes are linked with adolescents’ engagement in digital controlling behaviors.

Methods

1187 students (61.3%girls, n=728) from seven secondary schools in Flanders were surveyed. The study draws on data from 466 secondary school students (71.0%girls, n=331) between 16 and 22 years old (M=17.99years; SD=.92) who were in a romantic relationship. The data were analyzed using linear regression analysis. The following 4 controlling behaviors were measured 1) accessing e-mail and cell phone messages without consent, 2) checking the “last seen” feature on apps, 3) sending messages via the internet or the mobile phone to check what their partner was doing and with whom they were together, and 4) whether they sent messages or called in a row (5/10/20/30 times an hour) to control their partner. Independent variables included: perceived social norms with regard to cyber dating abuse, observation of controlling behaviors by fathers and mothers, and endorsement of gender stereotypes.

Results

The linear regression analysis indicates that being female (b=.15, p<.01), being older (b=.14, p<.01), the perceived social norms of peers (b=.36, p<.001), the endorsement of gender stereotypes (b=.16, p<.001), and having observed intrusive controlling behaviors by the father (b=.12, p< 05) are significantly positively related to adolescents’ perpetration of digital controlling behaviors.

Conclusions

The findings have implications for practice and underscore the need for prevention efforts to address and lower the influence of these perceived social norm. Further implications include the need for prevention efforts to focus on diminishing the impact of gender stereotypical attitudes, and the influence of witnessing controlling behaviors within the family context on cyber dating abuse perpetration. Our findings highlight the need for prevention efforts to address and lower the influence of these perceived social norms. Some strategies could include addressing these group norms and the norms with regard to cyber dating abuse, and teaching adolescents how to deal with peer pressure with regard to controlling their romantic partner.