Relationship aggression, violence and self-regulation in Australian newlywed couples

Abstract

Research in the United States shows that relationship violence occurs in a substantial minority of newlywed couples, and is associated with a range of risk factors such as family-of-origin violence. Few of the associated risk factors, however, are potentially modifiable through early intervention to prevent violence. In the current study self-reported aggression and violence were assessed in 379 Australian newlywed couples. Consistent with US-based research, 420% of newlywed Australian couples reported at least one incident of relationship violence in the past year. A range of correlates of relationship violence and aggression was assessed, including the construct of relationship self-regulation, which is the extent that partners report being able to enhance their relationship with their partner. Low relationship self-regulation was correlated with relationship aggression and violence. It was concluded that the aggression and violence are common problems in Australian newlywed couples, and that enhancing relationship self-regulation might help reduce the prevalence of aggression.