Date Available
3-18-2011
Year of Publication
2010
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Document Type
Dissertation
College
Arts and Sciences
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Jonathan M. Golding
Abstract
The present experiment investigated the role of gender stereotypes in cases in which a battered person kills his or her abuser. Regression analysis revealed an overall gender bias such that mock jurors were more likely to convict a man defendant who had killed his abusive wife than they were when a woman defendant who had killed her husband. Mediational analyses indicated that the relationship between abuser gender and verdict was partially mediated by sympathy toward the victim, and fully mediated by sympathy toward the defendant. Regression analysis also revealed an effect of abuser height, such that conviction rates were higher when an abuser was taller than his or her partner, regardless of abuser gender. Though not significant, trends suggested the act of killing an abusive partner was perceived as a protective act toward the child. Overall, the present study provides evidence that gender biases exist in cases in which a battered person kills his or her abuser.
Recommended Citation
Hodell, Emily Catherine, "WHEN BATTERED PERSONS KILL: THE IMPACT OF GENDER STEREOTYPES ON MOCK JUROR PERCEPTIONS" (2010). University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations. 21.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_diss/21
