THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VIOLENCE TENDENCY AND DATING VIOLENCE ATTITUDE IN STUDENTS OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the levels of violence tendency and dating violence attitudes of university students and the risk factors affecting violence tendency and dating violence attitudes. Material and Methods: The study is a cross-sectional. University students between the ages of 18-25 who were studying at the faculty of health sciences and had at least one dating experience were included in the study and 365 students participated in the study. Data were collected face-to-face using the "Student Information Form", "Violence Tendency Scale" and "Dating Violence Attitude Scale". Violence tendency and dating violence attitudes were dependent variables of the study. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to predict sociocultural factors with tendency to violence and dating violence attitudes. Results: University students studying at the faculty of health sciences have low violence tendencies and positive attitudes towards dating violence. Exposure to domestic violence (B = 1.393, 95% CI [0.111, 2.674], p = .013) and exposure to partner violence (B = 2.970, 95% CI [0.773, 5.167], p = .008) significantly increased violence tendency, while other variables showed no significant effects (R-2 = .145, Adj. R-2 = .129). Negative attitudes toward dating violence were significantly associated with being from a broken family (B = -0.166, 95% CI [-0.312, -0.020], p = .026), higher father's education level (B = 0.013, 95% CI [0.003, 0.024], p = .013), and exposure to partner violence (B = -0.279, 95% CI [-0.414, -0.143], p < .001) (R-2 = .190, Adj. R-2 = .174). Conclusion: Family dynamics and exposure to violence can influence people's tendency to violence and their attitudes towards dating violence. In addition, women are more exposed to domestic violence and dating violence. This situation reveals gender inequality even among young individuals with high education levels. It is important to regularly screen young people for early detection of violent tendencies and to establish referral systems to ensure that victims of violence receive support.