Gender comparison of conflict motives for intimate partner violence among college students

There are limited empirical studies that compare men and women's motives for perpetrating intimate partner violence. A mixed methods design was utilized to assess gender differences in IPV motives in a college setting. To validate the Conflict Motives Scale containing 93 possible motives, two separate exploratory factor analysis were conducted by gender and yielded an eight factor solution for both men and women. Men's factors represented Increase Intimacy, Personal Insecurities, Desire Isolation, Dominance, Partner Provocation, Situational, Partner's Personal Problems, and Revenge. Women's factors represented Hostile Personality, Partner Intimidation, Revenge, Control, Childhood Experiences, Increase Intimacy, Personal Insecurities and Desire Isolation. Differences by IPV perpetration type were also assessed with means representing each eight factors. The more severe the violence perpetrated, the higher the rating for IPV motive. Qualitative data was also assessed and suggestions were made to include additional items in the Conflict Motives Scale. Noticeable qualitative themes included Partner's Behaviors, Others' Impact, Jealousy, and Communication Issues.