Cross-Cultural Differences in Attitudes toward Domestic Violence between Trinidadian and American College Students

Abstract

In this study, Trinidadian (n = 194) and American (n = 290) university students were compared on their general attitudes toward domestic violence (DV) as well as their willingness to intervene in a DV situation in five distinct contexts (involving an immediate family member, extended family member, a friend, a neighbor, and a coworker). Results indicated that Trinidadian students were modestly more tolerant of DV compared to American students- a finding that was accounted for primarily by age differences between the two national groups. Also, Trinidadian students reported being significantly less willing to intervene in a DV situation involving a friend, neighbor, and coworker than American students, even after controlling for differences in sociodemographic variables. Regarding gender, women expressed significantly less tolerance for DV than men across nationality. Overall, these findings suggest that even after controlling for important sociodemographic variables, cultures vary in their attitudes toward DV. The findings are discussed in the context of possible cultural differences in individualism versus collectivism.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2005

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Negy, Charles

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Program

Psychology

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences; Family violence -- Cross cultural studies

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0021927

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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