Gender Differences in Dating Aggression and Victimization Among Low-Income, Urban Middle School Students

Emerging research on dating aggression in early adolescence suggests that it occurs as early as 6th grade. However, our understanding of dating aggression during this developmental phase remains limited. The primary purpose of the current study was to examine gender differences in various potentially harmful dating behaviors, including physical and psychological dating aggression and victimization as well as jealous, controlling, and monitoring behaviors in a low-income, urban sample of middle school students (N = 3,174). Approximately 40% of youth reported physical dating aggression as a perpetrator or victim. Girls endorsed all forms of physical aggression at a higher rate than boys with one exception: physical restraint. Regarding physical dating victimization, boys reported higher rates of having been slapped; scratched; or kicked, bit, or hit than did girls. There were no statistically significant gender differences in the frequency of injury to self (6% of boys, 2% of girls) or partner (4% of boys and 5% of girls injured a partner). Although the overall injury rate was low, it was not inconsequential. Regarding other potentially harmful behaviors, girls and boys reported jealous accusations, monitoring and spiteful verbal and nonverbal retaliation with the highest frequency. Although, the vast majority of dating aggression was characterized as “just playing around,” many youth demanded apologies and a substantial minority broke up as a result of dating aggression. Of note, boys were significantly more likely to “do nothing” in response to dating aggression compared to girls. Results highlight the complex, variable meaning of aggression, jealousy, and control in early adolescent dating relationships.