Myths of romantic love and emotional dependency as predictors of gender violence in young couples

Abstract

Gender-based violence in young couples is a global social problem, and it has been suggested that beliefs such as the myths of romantic love and emotional dependency can influence abusive behaviors. Therefore, this research aimed to determine whether these variables are predictors of gender-based violence among young people in the city of Juliaca. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, predictive study was conducted with a sample of 1,226 individuals aged 18 to 30. The results showed that both emotional dependency (p = 0.001; B = 0.492) and the myths of romantic love (p = 0.001; B = 0.118) predict gender-based violence, and that the myths of romantic love also predict emotional dependency (B = 0.496). Likewise, significant correlations were found between the variables: myths of romantic love with emotional dependence (Rho = 0.466) and with gender violence (Rho = 0.312), and between emotional dependence and gender violence (Rho = 0.558), all with p < 0.05. These findings indicate that these beliefs contribute to normalizing abusive behaviors and justifying violence in relationships.