The relationship between intimate partner behaviour control and impulsivity among college students: the chain mediating effect of autonomy needs satisfaction and intimacy quality

Using the Intimate Partner Behaviour Control Scale, the Autonomy Needs Questionnaire, the Intimacy Quality Questionnaire, and the Chinese version of the Brief Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, we conducted a survey of 416 college students (204 males and 212 females) with a mean age of 24.99 (SD = 7.94) years. The aim of this research was to explore the relationship between intimate partner behaviour control and impulsivity with a focus on the roles of autonomy needs satisfaction and intimacy quality in the context of college students in romantic relationships. The findings indicated that (1) intimate partner behaviour control significantly and positively predicts impulsivity among college students; (2) autonomy needs satisfaction plays a mediating role in the relationship between intimate partner behaviour control and impulsivity among college students; (3) intimacy quality also plays a mediating role in the relationship between intimate partner behaviour control and impulsivity among college students; (4) autonomy needs satisfaction and intimacy quality jointly play a chain mediating role in the relationship between intimate partner behaviour control and impulsivity among college students. These results highlight the close relationship between intimate partner behaviour control and impulsivity, in which context autonomy needs and intimacy quality play a vital role. The findings of this research offer practical insights for mental health practitioners with regard to preventing and intervening in impulsive behaviour among college students as well as guidance for policy plans that aim to promote healthy relationships and prevent intimate partner violence.