Attitudes Toward the Legitimation of Intimate Partner Violence in Adolescence: The Role of Gender Essentialism

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is present even during adolescence, and both victims and perpetrators may sometimes perceive it as justifiable. This study investigated gender differences in adolescents’ justification of IPV and examined the role of gender essentialism. A sample of 710 cisgender, heterosexual adolescents completed self-report measures assessing justification of various violent behaviors and endorsement of gender essentialist beliefs. Boys were more likely to justify sexually coercive acts enacted by boys, whereas girls more often justified verbal and physical aggression enacted by girls. Gender essentialism was positively associated with all forms of IPV justification and mediated the relationship between participants’ gender and IPV attitudes. These findings highlight the importance of addressing gendered beliefs in prevention programs targeting adolescents.