Cyber dating abuse in university students from Spain and Latin America

Abstract

The objective of the research was to study the presence of cyber violence against partners in university students in Spain and Latin America, as well as to analyze its relationship with romantic myths and ambivalent sexism. The research has a cross-sectional design. The sample was made up of 2,798 students from seven Spanish-speaking countries: Spain, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and Mexico. The results show few differences in means between men and women; However, the differences between countries are considerable, especially in the perpetration of direct attacks and control. The different forms of cyber violence against a partner tend to correlate, in a positive direction, with sexist attitudes and distorted beliefs about romantic love. In conclusion, prevention programs should take into account the new manifestations of violence that are appearing in virtual spaces.