Influence of Gender and Individual Psychological Functioning on Attitudes Toward Controlling Behaviors in Dating Relationships: An Exploratory Study in Late Adolescence

This study explores the influence of gender and individual psychological functioning (IPF), specifically emotion dysregulation, mentalization, and epistemic trust, on attitudes toward controlling behaviors in dating relationships during late adolescence. 363 Italian adolescents ( M age = 17.8, SD = 0.94; 62% males; 76% experienced a romantic relationship) completed self-report measures and a scenario-based assessment. Gender and IPF were analyzed as predictors, utilizing general linear models to examine their interplay. Boys demonstrated higher justification and minimization of controlling behaviors in dating relationships compared to girls. Gender differences also shaped interpretations of relational dynamics, with lived relational experiences endorsing adherence to controlling patterns. The relationship between gender and attitudes toward controlling behaviors was partially mediated by two key aspects: emotion dysregulation and epistemic credulity. Higher emotion dysregulation was associated with greater justification of controlling behaviors, while higher epistemic credulity was linked to normalizing such behaviors. The findings reveal that adolescents’ controlling behaviors in dating relationships are influenced by a complex interaction of gender identity and IPF. This underscores the need for prevention strategies, such as gender-sensitive, emotionally focused, and mentalization-based programs, to mitigate and reshape relational attitudes and foster healthier interpersonal relationships during adolescence.