Factors influencing beliefs about intimate partner violence among adults in South Korea.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify factors influencing beliefs about intimate partner violence among Korean adults.

DESIGN AND SAMPLE

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study that analyzed data from 466 adults.

MEASURES

Beliefs about intimate partner violence were measured using a self-report questionnaire with a total of 28 items consisting of four subscales: perpetrator's justification for beating women, blaming women for violence against them, perpetrator's responsibility for violence, and giving help to victims.

RESULTS

Men and women had significantly different beliefs about intimate partner violence (t = -7.19, p < .001). Some characteristics were identified that led to unhealthy beliefs about intimate partner violence. Four variables-gender, age, educational level, and witnessing parental violence-had an explanatory power of 20% with regard to beliefs about IPV (F = 10.50, p = .000).

CONCLUSIONS

In South Korea, men, older individuals, and those with less formal education or who have witnessed parental violence need education to foster healthier beliefs about intimate partner violence. Nurses can play a vital role in efforts to decrease intimate partner violence.