Patrones comunicacionales que inciden en la violencia de género en parejas jóvenes.

Abstract

Communication patterns, understood as repetitive styles of verbal, non-verbal, and paraverbal interaction, influence the emergence of gender-based violence, which manifests as forms of aggression based on unequal power relations between men and women. This dynamic is especially observable in young couples, who are going through a stage of emotional development in their transition to adulthood. The theoretical foundation is based on the cognitive-behavioral approach, which considers the influence of thoughts and previous learning on violent behaviors within affective relationships. Likewise, the role of assertive communication is highlighted as a protective resource in situations of psychological abuse. This research aims to analyze the communication patterns that influence gender-based violence in young couples, addressing this issue from a clinical, educational, and psychosocial perspective. A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating quantitative tools and qualitative techniques such as semi-structured interviews, which allowed for a deeper understanding of the negative communicative styles present in romantic relationships. Among the identified patterns are verbal humiliation, emotional invalidation, sarcasm, control, and blame, which shape abusive dynamics that affect the emotional and psychological well-being of those involved. The study was conducted with young people between the ages of 18 and 25, from university and community settings in the province of El Oro, a region with high rates of gender-based violence. The findings reveal how these harmful communication styles not only perpetuate abuse but also promote emotional dependence and the bidirectionality of violence. Sociocultural factors such as machismo, jealousy, low self-esteem, and relational models learned from childhood exacerbate these dynamics. In conclusion, the need to design preventive strategies and interventions from the clinical and community spheres is emphasized, aiming to foster healthy communicative skills in romantic relationships.