Factors influencing beliefs about intimate partner violence among adults in South Korea.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify factors influencing beliefs about intimate partner violence among Korean adults.

DESIGN AND SAMPLE: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study that analyzed data from 466 adults.

MEASURES: Beliefs about intimate partner violence were measured using a self-report questionnaire with a total of 28 items consisting of four subscales: perpetrator's justification for beating women, blaming women for violence against them, perpetrator's responsibility for violence, and giving help to victims.

RESULTS: Men and women had significantly different beliefs about intimate partner violence (t = -7.19, p < .001). Some characteristics were identified that led to unhealthy beliefs about intimate partner violence. Four variables-gender, age, educational level, and witnessing parental violence-had an explanatory power of 20% with regard to beliefs about IPV (F = 10.50, p = .000).

CONCLUSIONS: In South Korea, men, older individuals, and those with less formal education or who have witnessed parental violence need education to foster healthier beliefs about intimate partner violence. Nurses can play a vital role in efforts to decrease intimate partner violence.