Hispanic Parents’ Conflict Tactics Influence on College Women’s Verbal Aggression Victimization

Abstract

Prior research has shown that college women in the United States are experiencing significantly high rates of verbal aggression (VA); approximately 20% to 30% of college women experience VA in their intimate relationships. Research has shown that familial conflict experiences directly influence these outcomes. Unfortunately, studies focusing on Hispanic college women’s experiences are almost nonexistent, despite the fact that they are members of the largest minority population on college campuses today. To address this void in the literature, the influence of parental conflict strategies on 905 Hispanic college women’s VA victimization in current romantic relationships was examined. Consistent with previous research, parental use of VA influenced VA victimization in participants’ current romantic relationship. This study provides important information about Hispanic college populations’ VA experiences, and the importance of familial processes in shaping these understandings.