Self-Control and Emotional and Verbal Aggression in Dating Relationships: A Dyadic Understanding

Guided by the I3 theory as well as the dynamic developmental systems perspective, this study extends past research by examining the association between self-control and emotional and verbal aggression (EVA) during conflict at the couple level using both self-report and observational methodology. One-hundred twenty dating couples provide data on self-control, self-reported EVA perpetration and EVA victimization, and observationally assessed perpetration of EVA. Data were analyzed using path analyses within the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) framework. The association between self-control and EVA for one’s self and for one’s partner was partially supported. These findings extend the I3 theory to EVA during couple conflict. Importantly, these findings also provide empirical support for the dynamic developmental systems framework by highlighting the importance of examining risk factors of both partners. Associations between self-control and EVA differed depending on the method of assessment, highlighting the need to conduct multi-method assessments in future research. Additionally, our findings inform interventions by emphasizing the need to focus on educating and bolstering self-control for both members of the couple.