PSY-8 “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words w̶i̶l̶l̶ n̶e̶v̶e̶r̶ hurt me.” Perceptions of Verbal Abuse Text Messages Among College Students
Abstract
Verbal abuse is prevalent in society, especially in this digital age. Previous research has focused heavily on physical abuse in romantic relationships; however, the current study investigated perceptions of verbal abuse in friendships. Fifty-three college students were asked to read two hypothetical text exchanges. One exchange highlighted abuse through criticism while the other demonstrated abuse through blame and degradation. After each scenario, participants were asked to rate the severity of the abuse and the likelihood of forgiveness. Overall, participants rated the blame and degradation exchange more severe than the criticism exchange. Black, indigenous, persons of color (BIPOC) rated the blame and degradation exchange more severely than their white counterparts. They were also less forgiving in both exchanges. Results suggest that understanding how verbal abuse is perceived and whether that abuse is forgiven may be dependent on the person’s race.
Keywords
Verbal Abuse, Texting, Friendship
PSY-8 “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words w̶i̶l̶l̶ n̶e̶v̶e̶r̶ hurt me.” Perceptions of Verbal Abuse Text Messages Among College Students
University Readiness Center Greatroom
Verbal abuse is prevalent in society, especially in this digital age. Previous research has focused heavily on physical abuse in romantic relationships; however, the current study investigated perceptions of verbal abuse in friendships. Fifty-three college students were asked to read two hypothetical text exchanges. One exchange highlighted abuse through criticism while the other demonstrated abuse through blame and degradation. After each scenario, participants were asked to rate the severity of the abuse and the likelihood of forgiveness. Overall, participants rated the blame and degradation exchange more severe than the criticism exchange. Black, indigenous, persons of color (BIPOC) rated the blame and degradation exchange more severely than their white counterparts. They were also less forgiving in both exchanges. Results suggest that understanding how verbal abuse is perceived and whether that abuse is forgiven may be dependent on the person’s race.