Female-Perpetrated Partner Violence and Aggression

Abstract

Using data from a convenience sample of 252 women involved in a relationship over the past year and attending a southeastern university, this project examines the relationship between self-endorsed masculine and feminine personality traits and female-perpetrated partner violence that has ever occurred in the relationship. Juvenile delinquency and criminology literature has addressed theoretical explanations for female perpetration. Using this and symbolic interaction as a foundation, it was hypothesized that women who endorse more masculine traits will report higher perpetration of violence. Results demonstrate that the relationships between masculine and feminine traits and psychological abuse and physical assault are more complex than hypothesized.