Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Peering into the Dynamics of Social Interactions: Measuring Play Fighting in Rats
Published on: January 18, 2013
Bad Romance: Sex Differences in the Longitudinal Association Between Romantic Relationships and Deviant Behavior
Kathryn C Monahan1, Julia Dmitrieva2, Elizabeth Cauffman3
1Kathryn C. Monahan University of Pittsburgh 210 S. Bouquet St Pittsburgh, PA 15260.
Abstract:
The current study investigates how romantic relationships are related to antisocial behavior longitudinally among delinquent males and females (n=354; ages 14-25). While being in a relationship or not is unrelated to antisocial behavior, romantic partner characteristics (antisocial behavior and antisocial influence) are associated with greater antisocial behavior. As males age, they become increasingly resistant to romantic partner characteristics. In contrast, females become increasingly vulnerable to the effects of romantic partner characteristics on antisocial behavior as they age, particularly when these relationships are relatively shorter. Females in shorter romantic relationships with partners who are antisocial or exert antisocial influence are at risk of persisting in antisocial behavior.
Related Concept Videos
Relationship Formation
Close Relationships and Culture
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Conduct Disorder
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Cross-Sectional Research

