Dyadic Bicultural Competence Is a Protective Factor Reducing Partner Violence Risk for Latine Couples Prospectively

Abstract

Immigrants experience an elevated risk of intimate partner violence (IPV), but little is known about how cultural competencies within a couple are protective against IPV. Using the Dyadic Cultural Competence and Balance model, we tested hypotheses involving cultural competencies and IPV risk among U.S. immigrant dyads in the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 188). The longitudinal data revealed that high dyadic bicultural competence predicted reduced risk of IPV over time. Financial strain exacerbated low dyadic bicultural competence predicting more IPV. In summary, dyadic bicultural competence appears protective against IPV among immigrants.

Keywords

acculturation bicultural competence culture financial strain partner violence

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