The prevalence and typologies of controlling behaviours in a general population sample

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and typologies of controlling behaviours within a general population sample. Participants (N = 427) completed the Revised Controlling Behaviours Scale and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale. Prevalence of perpetration and victimisation of controlling behaviours was relatively high, although the frequency and severity of the behaviours was mainly low level. Five clusters were established based on the use of five types of controlling behaviours: economic, threatening, intimidating, emotional, and isolating. Significant differences were found between the perpetration clusters and (i) minor physical assault, (ii) severe physical assault (iii) minor psychological aggression, and (iv) severe psychological aggression. Furthermore, significant differences were found between the victimisation clusters and (i) physical assault, (ii) minor and (iii) severe psychological aggression. It is clear that controlling behaviours are a feature within general population relationships and further research is required to understand when such behaviours become problematic, and what needs to be done to prevent this from happening.