Potential predictors of urban black men experiencing non-physical dating violence perpetrated by a girlfriend

Background: Young urban Black men may be disproportionately affected by non-physical dating violence victimization.  To date, there is a lack of investigation of men’s experiences with relationship violence perpetrated by their girlfriend.  The goal of the current study is to examine the association of intrapersonal and interpersonal characteristics of Black men as potential predictors of non-physical dating violence perpetrated by their girlfriends.  Methods: Street-intercept surveys (n=148) were conducted among a sample of Black males aged 18-25 years old at a subway station in Brooklyn, New York.  Results:  Multiple linear regression models revealed that “Isolation” may predict several girlfriend behaviors including insulting or cursing (B = .35; 95% C.I. = .048, .168), yelling or screaming (B = .35; 95% C.I. = .050, .183), threatening to hit or throw something (B = .39; 95% C.I. = .064, .201), destroy something (B = .22; 95% C.I. = .000, .130), call bad names (B = .38; 95% C.I. = .056, .198).  “Perceived Susceptibility” may predict a girlfriend following her boyfriend (B = .22; 95% C.I. = .000, .080) and cornering against his will (B = .25; 95% C.I. = .011, .156).  Conclusions:  Several potential predictors of young Black men experiencing non-physical dating violence from their girlfriends have been identified in the current study.  Further research is needed to determine how these variables may influence young Black men suffering from non-physical dating violence.  This information may be used to develop efficacious interventions to reduce this public health concern.