Exploring reciprocity in dating violence among Jewish and Arab youths in Israel

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to assess the reciprocal behavior of couples in violent dating relationships, and to examine the sociodemographic variables that relate to dating violence among Israeli adolescents, using five types of dating violence measures: threatening, physical, relational, sexual and verbal violence [Wolfe, D. A., Scott, K., Retzel-Jaffe, D., Wekerle, C., Grasley, C., & Straatman, A. L. (2001). Development and validation of the conflict in adolescent dating relationship inventory. Psychological Assessment 13(2) 277-293]. The sample consisted of 1357 participants randomly selected from among 9-12th grade pupils enrolled in eight Arab and eight Jewish junior and senior high schools. Schools were randomly selected from a list of schools in central and northern Israel. Only 778 (57%) of participants had started dating. The principal finding of the study is that dating violence is very high among Israeli youths, especially Arabs, and that violent dating behavior is probably reciprocal among couples dating violence. Dating violence rates are not determined solely by belonging to a minority, ethnic, or national group. The reality of a given society at a given time affects the specific impact of any given variable on dating violence. Implications and recommendations for required policy changes and for further studies are suggested. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.