Perceptions, awareness, and individual differences in cyber dating abuse perpetration and victimisation

Due to the pressures of modern life and reduced social mobility, individuals seeking romantic connections are increasingly turning to online dating as a more convenient alternative to traditional face-to-face methods. However, alongside its benefits, technological advancements have also brought about risks, particularly in cyber dating abuse (CDA). This form of abuse, facilitated through electronic communication technologies, remains insidious as it often hides behind humour or love, making it less visible than physical abuse. Many individuals in online romantic relationships may lack awareness of what constitutes cyber dating abuse. This thesis comprises two studies aimed at expanding understanding of perceptions, awareness, and individual differences in the perpetration and victimisation of cyber dating abuse. Integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the thesis investigates perceptions and awareness of cyber dating abuse and the factors that may predict victimisation or perpetration. The qualitative study explores the perceptions and awareness of cyber dating abuse among young adults aged 18-25, revealing five critical themes with several subthemes. These include ‘Awareness of Cyber Dating Abuse’ with subthemes such as ‘Toxic Dynamics and Abusive Tactics,’ ‘Comparisons to Offline Dating Abuse,’ and ‘A Growing Concern.’ The theme ‘Risk Factors for Victimisation and Perpetration’ includes ‘Individual Differences’ and ‘Attachment.’ At the same time, ‘Increasing Awareness, Prevention, and Support’ encompasses ‘Raising Awareness Through Education and Media Exposure,’ ‘Prevention Through Changes to Policies and Legislation,’ and ‘Support Through Therapeutic Interventions.’ The quantitative follow-up study examines the role of personality traits in predicting cyber dating abuse perpetration and victimisation among young adults aged 18 to 25 (n = 503), specifically exploring the significance of the Big Five personality traits, empathy, and multidimensional romantic jealousy. The findings revealed that time spent online, agreeableness, and behavioural and cognitive jealousy were significant predictors of psychological perpetration. In contrast, gender, relationship length, and behavioural and cognitive jealousy predicted psychological victimisation. Additionally, relationship length, agreeableness, and behavioural and cognitive jealousy were significant predictors of relational perpetration, with relationship length and behavioural and cognitive jealousy also predicting relational victimisation. Participants in study two were recruited globally, allowing for the inclusion of individuals from a wide range of cultural and national backgrounds. This diversity enhances the generalisability of the findings and offers insight into how individual difference variables operate across different digital relationship contexts. This research advances prior studies by incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods to offer a comprehensive view of cyber dating abuse among those most vulnerable. It expands on existing knowledge by addressing a gap in the literature, as most previous studies have been conducted internationally, with limited data available on cyber dating abuse in UK-based contexts.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Professional Doctorate

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wolverhampton

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Mattu, Harpreet

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Bhogal, Manpal

• cyber dating abuse
• intimate partner violence
• online relationships
• young adults
• technology-facilitated abuse
• perpetration
• victimisation
• thematic analysis
• stepwise regression
• dating abuse

Licence

• https://wlv.openrepository.com/bitstreams/104d08ae-7b40-4248-a385-0e346ddaa0af/download