Abstract
Purpose: The present study explores the intricate dynamics of beliefs regarding violence against women in intimate relationships, specifically focusing on physical violence, sexual violence, and psychological manipulation and control. Recognizing the influence of socialization into gender norms in a patriarchal society as a risk factor for violence-supportive beliefs, we investigated the impact of gender and educational background disparities on these beliefs. Methods: The sample consisted of 333 respondents from two regions in Ghana, recruited through both online and paper-and-pencil surveys, with a link to the online version shared among students at two universities. Utilizing a 3 (educational background: lower than a bachelor's degree, bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree) x 2 (gender: male, female) between-subjects two-way multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA), we analyzed respondents' beliefs concerning physical violence, psychological manipulation and control, and sexual violence against women. Results: Results indicated significant variations in beliefs based on educational background and gender. Respondents with an educational background lower than a bachelor's degree were notably more likely to endorse beliefs about physical violence against women, while those with a postgraduate degree were less likely to support beliefs related to psychological manipulation and control and sexual violence against women compared to those with lower educational qualifications. Additionally, male respondents were more prone to endorsing beliefs across all three categories of violence against women compared to female respondents.