Adolescent Beliefs About the Acceptability of Dating Violence Does Violent Behavior Change Them?

• NCJ Number: 245561
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: January 2013 Pages: 436-450
• Author(s): Victoria Mueller; Ernest N. Jouriles; Renee McDonald; David Rosenfield
• Date Published: January 2013
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the interplay between teens' beliefs about the acceptability of dating violence and dating violence perpetration.

Abstract

This longitudinal study examined the interplay between teens' beliefs about the acceptability of dating violence and dating violence perpetration. The final sample included 82 teens aged 14 to 17 years. Families were recruited from truancy courts and juvenile probation and victim services offices. Teens participated in a baseline and a follow-up assessment spaced 3 months apart. At each assessment, teens reported on their beliefs about dating violence acceptability and their dating violence perpetration. Dating violence perpetration at baseline predicted beliefs accepting of violence at follow-up, after accounting for baseline levels of beliefs. Beliefs at baseline, however, did not predict dating violence perpetration at follow-up. Dating violence perpetration may lead to beliefs more accepting of such violence. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.