Analysis of warmth and protective factors against cyber dating abuse in young adults

Abstract

The growing use of information and communication technologies in couple relationships has favored the emergence of harmful phenomena such as cyber dating abuse. In addition to this, the scientific literature available on the subject tends to focus on risk factors rather than protection factors, thus leaving some gaps in knowledge. The present research analyzed the relationship between good coping strategies, conflict resolution styles and anger management as protective factors against cyber dating abuse. A quantitative, non-experimental, ex post facto study was conducted, in which 202 Mexican young people aged 18 to 30 years (x̅=22.17; SD=3.02) participated. A low presence of control in its committed and suffered modalities was found in both sexes, greater control victimization in men; negative correlations were also appreciated between warmth strategies, positive conflict resolution and anger management against control behaviors in the couple; finally, bidirectionality was observed in the perpetration and victimization of cyber dating abuse in men and women. The data obtained suggest that the protective factors against partner cyber-violence addressed in this study contribute to better coping with relationship difficulties and the use of constructive strategies, which would point to prevention strategies based not only on the avoidance of risk factors, but also on the strengthening of protective factors in favor of more satisfactory couple dynamics.