"Since the post-1980s generation has a higher average level of education, they tend to use psychological abuse, rather than physical abuse," Beijing Times quoted Jiang as saying on Tuesday.

She was speaking at an event to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Jiao Mingming, a psychiatrist at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing, said couples that feel they are in a "cold war" should seek counseling as soon as possible.

"They must try to solve their problems, rather than ignoring them until the marriage is on the brink of collapse," she said.

"Cold violence is on the increase, and is often triggered by the increasing work and economic pressures of modern life," she said.

"As women have achieved more financial independence and improved social status they have begun to want a greater say in family issues. As a result, men's traditional roles have changed, which can lead to disputes," Jiao said.

(China Daily November 27, 2008)