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The psychometric properties of a new scale of dehumanizing deindividuation in couples
Rebecca L Brock1, Sarah J Gervais1
1Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Abstract:
Emerging research indicates that dehumanization may occur in couples with serious consequences; however, this research is in its infancy, and there is a need to integrate dehumanization perspectives with key theories of intimate relationships to best understand this phenomenon. Drawing on work on individuation in couples, we present an integrated framework of dehumanizing deindividuation that is characterized by derogation (viewing a partner with contempt), disregard (ignoring or overlooking a partner), and denial of autonomy (restricting a partner's self-determination). We present data from two samples highlighting the reliability and validity of a new measure, the Dehumanizing Deindividuation in Couples (DDC) scale, which was internally consistent and had excellent construct replicability. Enacted and received versions of the scale were highly correlated, suggesting that dehumanizing deindividuation may be reciprocal in nature. The DDC scale converged with other couple dehumanization and individuation measures but was distinct and demonstrated incremental utility in explaining key relational outcomes. The DDC also demonstrated excellent convergent validity with other measures of intimate relationship functioning (i.e., emotional intimacy, support, sexual quality, affective communication, problem solving) and uniquely predicted key relational outcomes (i.e., global satisfaction and intimate partner violence). Results also suggest that the active process of deindividuating one's partner (e.g., acting superior to partner, ignoring partner, nagging partner) poses unique and significant risk for relationship discord and violence beyond a general lack of individuation (e.g., not praising partner's strengths or asking for their opinions). The DDC could prove a valuable tool for future research on dehumanizing deindividuation in couples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).
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