Cyber Dating Abuse and Well-Being Outcomes in Heterosexual Relationships: Examining Destructive Strategies, Relational Power, and Relationship Inclusiveness

Young people experiencing cyber dating abuse (CDA) often rely on coping strategies that compromise their well-being; however, the relational factors associated with these strategies remain understudied. This study addresses this gap by examining (a) whether higher CDA victimization is associated with lower psychological well-being (PWB) and reduced relationship satisfaction through greater use of the conflict-resolution strategies of exit, loyalty, and neglect; (b) whether lower perceived relational power accounts for the association between CDA victimization and destructive strategies (exit and neglect); and (c) whether the degree of inclusion of the other in the self (IOS) moderates the link between relational power and the exit strategy. Across two cross-sectional studies (N = 618), results showed that frequent CDA victimization was associated with increased use of destructive strategies, which in turn were linked to lower PWB and relationship satisfaction (Studies 1 and 2). Moreover, CDA victimization was related to greater use of destructive strategies through reduced relational power (Study 2). The association between lower relational power and intentions to end the relationship (exit strategy) emerged only among individuals with low IOS (Study 2). These findings advance understanding of relational patterns and dynamics in CDA and inform future research on interventions aimed at enhancing CDA-related knowledge and protective strategies.