A critical review of theoretical frameworks for dating violence: Comparing the dating and marital fields

Recent studies have focused on the widespread problem of violence among adolescent and college aged dating couples. Much of this research has focused on identifying risk factors and correlates of dating violence, along with implementing intervention and prevention programs for the amelioration of this aberrant behavior. However, limited discussion exists within the literature on theoretical frameworks to explain dating violence or the relationship between dating and marital violence. The present paper sought to critically review existing theories that have been postulated for intimate partner aggression in general and specifically for dating violence. The similarities and differences between dating violence and marital violence are also examined, with a discussion on how a theoretical framework developed to examine marital aggression can be effectively applied to violent dating relationships. Suggestions for future research on theoretical conceptualizations of dating violence and the co-examination of dating and marital violence are discussed.