Relationship Problems and Dating Aggression

This study investigated the association between problems in dating relationships and the occurrence of physical aggression in these relationships. A total of 667 college students (268 men, 399 women) completed the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) and the Relationship Problem Scale (RPS). A factor analysis of the RPS revealed seven underlying problem areas: subject's jealousy, partner's jealousy, fighting, interference of friends, lack of time together, breakdown of relationship, and problems outside the relationship. Individuals who were aggressive toward their partners and those who were victims of their partner's aggression reported more problems in their relationships than did individuals in nonaggressive relationships. Also, several specific problem areas such as jealousy, fighting, breakdown of the relationship, and the interference of friends were reported more often by aggressive individuals. Aggressive individuals also indicated that the problems were more severe. The results are discussed with respect to treatment and prevention programs to address the problem of dating aggression.