Abstract
This study examines the influence of romantic narratives on perceptions of intimate partner violence (IPV) and its legitimization. Through two experiments, we investigate how romantic themes in narratives shape views of victims, offenders, and the legal consequences of IPV. Participants read journalistic pieces depicting acts of violence varying in relationship details and motives. Experiment 1 (n = 182) explored romantic versus non-romantic motives within romantic relationships, while Experiment 2 (n = 352) expanded to non-romantic relationships. Our findings consistently reveal a tendency to attribute greater accountability to victims when a prior romantic relationship with the offender is mentioned. Furthermore, narratives featuring both romantic motives for violence and romantic relationships are associated with increased victim blaming and anticipation of more lenient punishment compared to narratives devoid of romantic themes. Gender-specific responses were also observed. We discuss the implications of these findings in terms of the portrayal of IPV victims as "non-ideal victims" and societal stereotypes surrounding romantic love.