Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

497

Date

2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Counseling Psychology

Committee Chair

Suzanne H Lease

Committee Member

Sharon G Horne

Committee Member

Sara K Bridges

Abstract

Research examining factors associated with perpetration of Intimate Partner Psychological Abuse (IPPA) among men who have sex with men has been marginal in examining factors that may contribute to such experiences. Studies revealed internalized homonegativity (IH) as a factor associated with perpetration of IPPA (Bartholomew et al., 2008; Kelly & Warshasky, 1987). Internalized homonegativity is defined as the internalization of negative attitudes and messages about homosexuality by sexual minorities (Meyer, 1995). Research examining IPPA perpetration among heterosexual populations has revealed associations between relationship attributions of causality and responsibility and perpetration of IPPA (Copenhaver, 2000; Holtzworth-Munroe, Jacobson, Fehrenbach, & Fruzzetti, 1992; Holtzworth-Munroe & Hutchinson, 1993; Scott & Straus, 2007), however this factor has yet to be examined using a sample of men in same-sex relationships. Relationship attributions refer to the tendency for humans to make designations in order to explain causes of events and the responsibility of behaviors of self and others (Heider, 1958). Relationship attributions of negative behavior include two dimensions, (a) causality and (b) responsibility. Relationship attributions of causality refer to the manner in which individuals ascribe explanations for their partners' negative behavior to internal, stable, and global causes. Relationship attributions of responsibility refer to the manner in which individuals place accountability of their partners' negative behavior to intentional, purposeful, and self-focused motivations (Holtzworth-Munroe & Hutchinson, 1993). The current study investigated the possible relationship of relationship attributions and IH in psychological abuse perpetration among men in same-sex relationships. It was hypothesized that relationship attributions of causality and responsibility and IH would significantly IPPA perpetration among men in same-sex relationships and that IH would be found to moderate the relationship between relationship attributions and perpetration of IPPA. The study examined responses from 345 participants from data originally collected in 2005. Of the 345 responses, 207 participants met criteria to be included in this study. A hierarchical regression showed that relationship attribution of causality significantly predicted perpetration of IPPA. Internalized homonegativity was not found to moderate the relationship between relationship attributions and perpetration of IPPA. Conclusions are presented along with recommendations for future research and implications for clinical practice are discussed.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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