Date of Graduation
2000
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
Committee Chair
William Fremouw
Abstract
Self-reported physically violent females (Perpetrators and Mutually Violent) were compared with nonviolent females (Controls and Victims), on measures of borderline personality disorder, attachment, and psychopathology. Motivation for engaging in violence was investigated with Female Perpetrators and Mutually Violent groups. Results indicated that Mutually Violent females reported a significantly greater percentage of borderline characteristics. Major Mutually Violent individuals showed more borderline characteristics than the Nonviolent group. There were no significant differences within attachment styles. Female Perpetrators were significantly more hostile than the Nonviolent participants. Major Mutually Violent participants showed significantly more somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, number of symptoms, frequency of symptoms, and overall level of distress than Nonviolent participants. The most frequently cited reasons for engaging in violence given by both Female Perpetrators and Mutually Violent individuals were 1) to show anger, 2) retaliation for emotional hurt, and 3) inability to express self verbally.
Recommended Citation
Farr, Chastity Nicole, "Female to male dating violence: Borderline personality characteristics, attachment style, psychopathology, and motivation." (2000). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 10518.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10518