Research: Dating violence is becoming increasingly common

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güner stated that the study found that male students are more prone to violence and that the socioeconomic status of their families influences their level of acceptance of violence. He continued, "Female students were found to be more reactive to dating violence than male students, and their self-esteem and gender perceptions were higher. Furthermore, students with higher economic status and those with higher parental education levels were found to have higher attitudes toward dating violence, higher gender perceptions, and higher self-esteem."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Türkan Akyol Güner stated that they found that the students they studied generally opposed dating violence. "Dating violence is a significant problem that is increasingly prevalent, especially among university students, and significantly impacts both their psychological and social lives," she said. "Dating violence among university students refers to harmful behaviors, whether physical, emotional, sexual, economic, or digital, that occur between young people in emotional and romantic relationships."

Güner, who explained that the students were asked 28 questions in the study, such as, "Couples can sometimes be violent towards each other," "Violence in couples should be considered normal," "Men who use physical violence are more attractive," and "Couples should not interfere with each other's spending," said, "According to the answers we received from the questions, it was observed that BEUN students generally do not support or approve of dating violence and have an egalitarian perspective. It was determined that female students are more reactive to dating violence than male students, and that their self-esteem and gender perceptions are higher. It was also determined that students with better economic circumstances and those with higher levels of parental education have higher attitudes towards dating violence, higher gender perceptions, and self-esteem."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güner explained that students with low self-esteem tend to accept violence. "As students' gender perceptions strengthen, their attitudes toward dating violence significantly increase, and students with low self-esteem tend to accept violence," he said. "Our study also found that women are more reactive to dating violence than men. This is what we expect and should be the case in our society. Because this is how women are more reactive to dating violence, or any other form of violence, in society. This is confirmed by the findings of our study: male students are more prone to violence. Based on the responses we received to the questions on our scales, including physical violence, sexual violence, and economic violence, we can conclude this. Children from families with lower socioeconomic status were found to be more accepting of violence."

Güleser Bozkurt (20), a student at the Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, said, "Dating violence is not nice. I think it should not be done. If I see someone of the same gender being subjected to this behavior, of course I will support them and stand by them. I think violence is very wrong. I think those who commit it have psychological problems and should receive treatment."

Yunus Emre Çil (18), a student at the Department of Anesthesia, said, "Violence can occur in situations where it is very disrespectful. It can be physical, usually after fights. After unnecessary conversations. I don't think it's right. Dating violence is not nice, I don't find it right."

Mathematics Department student Bensu Karakan (22) said, "I see it as violence that people experience, do to each other, or are subjected to during the dating period. I think people need to be aware of this or get support. Actually, we shouldn't interfere with what people spend. Of course, you never know what will happen one day. People need to be aware. After all, it's not our family; anything can happen at any time. Couples shouldn't force each other into anything. I think everyone should not do something like this because it's their own personal life. I've encountered dating violence around me. I didn't welcome it, but I didn't intervene because everyone has their own life. I don't think this should be done during dating or being in love."

Archaeology Department Master's student Burak Göktepe (35) said, "I am against all forms of violence. Violence, especially during dating, can lead to death during relationships or marriage. When we look at dating violence, we see that people try to put pressure on each other without listening or understanding. It creates an oppressive mindset, especially in women, regardless of gender. This creates difficulties in integrating into society and social life when they marry. This also keeps them away from art, and their personal development is limited. I was subjected to emotional violence. It also causes introversion. I overcame it with psychological help."