This article explores the relationship between abuse in young couples and its severe and chronic nature later on in the relationship, as well as the severity of the consequences of this type of violence and the influence exercised by the gender factor. Therefore, this research analyzes the phenomenon of psychological abuse with respect to the gender factor in young dating couples. The sample is made up of 1,080 students aged 17 to 23 years old at a major university in Spain. The results show the presence of all studied manifestations of psychological abuse, with the highest rate of these manifestations occurring in the 17- to 18-year-old age range. There is evidence of a greater rate of psychological abuse behavior patterns among men. The evidence would suggest the need for future research aimed at making socializing educational practices more dynamic and directed toward the teaching of emotional intelligence as an alternative to combat psychological violence in couples and encourage equality and well-being in relationships. Directions for future research are suggested.

This research work analyses the emotional intelligence (EI) and the social cognitive attitudes and strategies in adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age in residential care. The aim of the work is to identify those aspects that hinder their socio-emotional competence, requiring a more urgent intervention. We explore the presence of significant differences between the variables under study according to gender and age range (12–14 and 15–17) and we analyse the relationship between the dimensions of their EI and their social competence. The results show a lack of EI in these adolescents, with all three dimensions being affected: emotional attention, clarity of feelings and emotional repair. As for social competence, it can be seen that the adolescents are characterised by a lack of confidence and firmness in their interactions. Worthy of note is the impulsive cognitive style, as are the rigidity of thought and the tendency towards social mistrust and suspicion. There are many difficulties concerning the strategies for resolving social problems. This research highlights the need to design training programmes for the residential care centres that will favour their socio-emotional development.

Application of a child abuse prevention programme in an educational context. [Aplicación de un programa de prevención del maltrato infantil en el contexto educativo]