A new study out of Western University aims to help people identify non-abusive behaviours that could predict future intimate partner violence before a relationship gets too serious.
Researchers presented participants from Canada and the U.S. with a list of 200 abusive and non-abusive thoughts, feelings, and behaviours based on existing research. The participants were then asked to identify which ones they had experienced. From there researchers were able to determine which ones were the most important for predicting abuse and which ones were red-flags.
"One thing that really stood out to me was finding the number of different warning signs that people experience and the frequency with which they experienced them, which was also a strong predictor of abuse," said study lead and former Western law and psychology researcher Nicolyn Charlot. "It really ties it together because if you see multiple warning signs that connect it’s relatively easy to communicate."
In one pilot study, researchers worked to determine which behaviours should be considered abusive or non-abusive. In the second pilot study, researchers determine which of the behaviours were most likely to emerge in early stages of a romantic relationship.
The following 16 early warning signs were identified:
You and your partner have sex even though you’re not in the mood.
You feel like you can’t say no to your partner.
Your partner doesn’t admit when they’re wrong.
Your partner compares you to other people.
Your partner reacts negatively when you say no to something they want.
Your partner disregards your reasoning or logic when it doesn’t agree with theirs.
You find it difficult to concentrate on work because thoughts of your partner are occupying your mind.
Your partner creates uncomfortable situations in public.
Your partner acts arrogant or entitled.
Your partner tries to change you.
Your partner is unsupportive of you.
Your partner criticizes you.
Your partner has unrealistic expectations for your relationship.
Your partner avoids you.
Your partner does something you asked them not to.
Your partner threatens to leave you.
Researchers noted that these signs do not guarantee intimate partner violence will occur, but allow a person to take a step back and reevaluate their relationship or proceed more cautiously.
Charlot stressed that people who choose to stay in a relationship despite the warning signs are not to blame for any future abuse.
"If somebody notices warning signs and they choose not to do anything, it is not their fault if they experienced abuse. This is very much meant to just inform people and not to be allocating blame,” said Charlot.
She added that those in a relationship where the warning signs are present do not have to end the partnership but could consider seeking counselling or exploring ways to grow the relationship in a healthier way.
This study, which was published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, is the first to statistically show behaviours typically considered to be non-violent prior to the abuse happening. It builds on existing research on warning signs that occur later into a relationship such as once a couple has moved in together or has got married.
