Gender differences in barriers to bystander intervention in dating violence situations and their relationship with empathy in young adults: a correlational study.
dating violence, gender differences, empathy, bystander intervention.
Gender differences in bystander intervention probability in dating violence situations and levels
of empathy among young adults were investigated. This was quantitative research with a
correlational design. The sample consisted of 250 participants, including both men and women
aged 18 to 30 years. The Sociodemographic Questionnaire, ESPECTA-VN, and EMRI were utilized.
Data collection was conducted online. Descriptive analyses and correlations were performed.
The probability of intervention in sexual violence (p=0.013) and psychological violence (p=0.013)
was significant, with both men and women equally prone to barriers in these situations. There
was no significant difference for physical violence (p=0.530). Empathic Concern and Personal
Distress showed significant differences, with women tending to be more concerned about others
and experiencing more anxiety in emotionally tense situations related to others' misfortunes.
Negative significant differences were identified between Personal Distress and the probability of
intervention in physical violence (p<0.001) and psychological violence (p<0.05); higher levels of
Personal Distress indicated a lower likelihood of intervening in these situations. No significant
differences were found in Empathic Concern (p>0.05) and Perspective Taking (p>0.05) across the
three types of violence, nor between the probability of intervention in sexual violence and
empathy. In summary, Empathic Concern and Perspective Taking did not increase the likelihood
of intervention in situations of physical, sexual, or psychological violence, while Personal Distress
reduced the probability of intervention in physical and psychological violence situations.
Empathy may have a negative effect on the likelihood of intervention. Further studies are needed
to elucidate these relationships, particularly with representative samples of different genders,
races, and sexual orientations.