CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Dating violence is controlling, abusive, and aggressive behaviour in a romantic relationship. It can happen in straight or gay relationships. It can include verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, or a combination. Dating violence is like erosion menace which has menacingly eroded the social fabric of many dating students. According to Iconis (2013), dating violence is a significant problem on university campuses. It is a common problem affecting both male and female students of different age categories. For instance, in most Nigerian Universities, students are not only victims but also perpetrators of violent behaviors reflecting the rising incidence of violence in the Nigerian society as a whole (Ajuwon, Funmilayo & Osungbade, 2011). One of such violent behaviors is dating violence. It is a significant problem in our society yet researchers have just begun to understand the destructive effect and scope of the problem in the last two decades. According to Jackson (1999) and Lewis and Fremouw (2001), as many as one in three college couples will be involved in at least one incident of violence during their dating relationship. Furthermore, many studies have found prevalence rates of dating violence close to fifty percent (Arias, Samois, O’Leary, 1987; Pederser & Thomas, 1992; White & Koss, 1991).
A personality trait is a characteristic that is distinct to an individual. Psychologists believe the five common personality traits are extrovert, neurotic, open, agreeable and conscientious. Someone with an open personality tends to be artistic, inventive and curious. Extroverts are described as being full of energy, outgoing and are often viewed as the life of the party. Conscientious individuals live with a purpose. They are dedicated, focused and ambitious. Neurotic personalities tend to be very nervous, worrisome and on edge. Agreeable individuals are cooperative, compassionate and very accepting. These traits can directly affect a person’s overall quality life and can even affect how their body overcomes illness.
Dating violence can be defined as a form of relationship abuse which involves insult or assault. It is a maladaptive behavior in relationship among couples which can have severe physical and psychological consequences and can lead to homicide or suicide in extreme cases as well as emotional symptoms stemming from depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Holtzworth-Munroe, 1992). According to the U.S. Department of Justice (2012), dating violence is defined as violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic nature with the victim. For the problems associated to dating violence to be controlled, there is a need to examine the factors that are likely to lead to dating violence. This can lead to better knowledge for prevention programs and clinical treatment.