Abstract
A model of how individuals in premarital relationships arrive at attributions for abusive partner behaviors was assessed. Evaluations of the abusiveness of partner behaviors and level of emotional commitment were of particular interest. Three categories of behaviors were examined: (a) physical abuse, (b) psychological abuse, and (c) sexual abuse. Participants were 103 young adults involved in premarital relationships who completed modified versions of Billingham's Emotional Commitment Scale and Shepard and Campbell's Abusive Behavior Inventory. A series of ANOVAs revealed that commitment level was a significant predictor of premarital attributions. Individuals categorizing themselves as highly committed blamed their partners significantly less for abusive partner behaviors than did individuals reporting moderate levels of commitment. Across all abuse types, females placed more blame on their partners for abusive partner behaviors than did males.
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