Consequences of Teen Dating Violence: Understanding Intervening Variables in Ecological Context

• NCJ Number: 224298
• Journal: Violence Against Women Volume: 14 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2008 Pages: 998-1013
• Author(s): Victoria L. Banyard; Charlotte Cross
• Date Published: September 2008
• Length: 16 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP); New Hampshire State Incentive Grant; New Hamphire Charitable Foundation; New Hampshire Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study sought to examine the educational and mental health problems associated with adolescent dating violence victimization.

Abstract

As hypothesized, being a survivor of dating violence was associated with more mental health concerns and more negative educational outcomes. Dating violence was associated with higher levels of depression and suicidal thoughts. Mental health symptoms in part mediated the relationship between victimization and school outcomes. The use of alcohol and depression complicated the relationship between victimization and outcomes. In addition, gender and social support both affected the relationship between victimization and outcomes. Recent studies of consequences related to dating violence victimization document negative outcomes similar to studies of adult sexual assault and intimate partner violence. This study explored mental health and educational consequences of physical and sexual abuse by peers in an expediency sample of adolescents. It was predicted that dating violence victimization would be associated with more negative school attitudes and outcomes and higher depressed mood, suicidal thoughts, and substance use. Tables and references