Scale Description

The Attitudes Toward Dating Violence Scales (ATDV) are psychometric tools designed to assess individuals’ attitudes and perceptions regarding violence in dating relationships. These scales examine attitudes that may justify, accept, or downplay the severity of violence in romantic relationships, as well as the connections between such attitudes and behavior within these relationships.

Data Analysis and Use

Analysis of responses to the ATDV scales involves evaluating answers to a series of statements related to dating violence. Responses are typically rated on a five-point Likert scale (from 1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree). The statements cover various aspects such as:
Justification of Violence: Attitudes that may justify violence in a dating relationship.
Acceptance of Violence: The extent to which violence in dating relationships is considered acceptable.
Perception of Severity: How serious violence in a dating relationship is perceived to be.
Behavioral Perceptions: Perceptions regarding behavior associated with violence.

Purpose

The goal of the ATDV is to provide a valid and reliable measurement of attitudes related to violence in dating relationships. These scales can be used to:
Assess attitudes that influence the acceptance or tolerance of violence in romantic relationships.
Identify beliefs that may justify violence or downplay its seriousness.
Contribute to the development of interventions that promote healthy attitudes and behaviors in dating relationships.

Scoring

Scoring the ATDV involves calculating total scores for each category of attitudes, as well as an overall score for attitudes toward dating violence. These scores can be categorized to indicate levels of acceptance or justification of violence:
Low Acceptance of Violence: Indicates that the individual holds low levels of justification or acceptance of dating violence.
Moderate Acceptance of Violence: Indicates moderate levels of justification or acceptance.
High Acceptance of Violence: Indicates high levels of justification or acceptance.

References

Moffitt, T. E., & Caspi, A. (2001). Childhood predictors of young adult outcomes. In P. R. Amato & A. Booth (Eds.), Contemporary Perspectives on Family Research, Volume 2: Family Influences on Children’s Outcomes.
Brown, K., & McMillan, H. (2007). Attitudes toward dating violence among college students. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 22(12), 1553–1570.
Caldwell, M., & Smith, B. (2011). The role of attitudes in dating violence prevention programs. Violence Against Women, 17(5), 605–620.
White, J. W., & Koss, M. P. (1991). Attitudes toward violence in intimate relationships: A comparative study of adolescents and young adults. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 6(2), 203–222.