Understanding and operationalizing coercive control: Preliminary results of a scoping review (4:20 PM AST, 3:20 PM EST, 2:20 PM CST)

Ben Presta; Carleton University, Millena Grajewski; Georgian College

Background: Coercive control (coercive, controlling behaviour) in intimate relationships is used to assert dominance over a partner and can involve verbal threats, manipulation, economic dominance, and many other tactics. Knowledge of coercive control has steadily increased over the past ~20 years, but despite its increasing prevalence in academic and legal circles, a clear definition/operationalization of coercive control remains elusive. Method: A scoping review was conducted of the operationalization of coercive control in empirical research. Screening identified 131 articles. Data extraction involved identifying behaviours included in the study’s operationalization (e.g., economic control, isolation), as well as any details about how coercive control is operationalized (e.g., time span, number of behaviours). Results: Preliminary findings show that in sum, researchers include the majority of the theoretically identified coercive controlling behaviours in their studies of coercive control. However, less emphasis is placed on the details of the operationalization. Conclusion: This presentation will present the preliminary results of the scoping review project and offer initial thoughts regarding a consensus definition of coercive control and how it is operationalized in empirical research. Action/Impact: A consensus definition and operationalization would help improve the research, measurement, and assessment of coercive control. Further research may focus on the details of coercive control beyond behaviours, such as time span, number of behaviours, survivor impact, and more.