Incontro IDEE Meeting

Abstract

Misperceptions of social norms can sustain tolerance for coercive and controlling behaviours in intimate relationships. Using a preregistered online experiment with 3,900 young adults from Italy, Sweden and Romania, the study tests whether providing accurate information about peers’ attitudes shifts beliefs and policy preferences related to violence against women. Participants systematically overestimated peer acceptance of controlling behaviours. Corrective feedback reduced support for coercive options, particularly among men and those with larger initial biases. Effects on policy preferences were asymmetric—strengthening support for punitive measures while reducing perceived need for preventive or support-based interventions. Behavioural effects are limited but consistent with a shift toward greater willingness to support anti-violence initiatives.