Longitudinal associations between teen dating violence victimization and adverse health outcomes

The Perceptions of Sexual Harassment among Adolescents of Four European Countries

Sexual harassment is a crucial public health issue among adolescents. In order to develop school health promotion programs, there is a need to involve adolescents themselves paying particular attention to their perceptions, beliefs, attitudes and practices. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the adolescents' perceptions about sexual harassment as well as the ways it could be prevented. Four focus groups were conducted during an online "camp" in autumn 2021, facilitated by members of SHEHAP project research team. Participants were secondary school students from Finland, Greece, Lithuania and Portugal. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Concerning how participants perceive sexual harassment, the themes that emerged were: physically expressed sexual harassment; verbally expressed sexual harassment; virtually expressed sexual harassment; violation of self-determination. Virtual environment; school environment; public environment; familiar environment, were identified as the places where sexual harassment may occur. Finally, in regard to the participants' views on the prevention of sexual harassment, the following themes emerged: youth education; adult education aiming teachers and parents; professional, peer and family support; official consequences; health education methods. The findings of the current study can be used for the development of school-based programs aiming to prevent sexual harassment among adolescents.

Examining the Role of National Context: Do Country Conditions During Childhood Impact Perpetration of Dating Violence in Emerging Adulthood?

The link between individual experiences in early childhood or adolescence years and future dating violence (DV) perpetration has been well established and explored across various populations. However, little is known on a worldwide scale, about the association between national conditions during childhood, like overall well-being or status of women in that nation, and perpetration of DV in emerging adulthood. Applying life-course theory and a socioecological framework to data from the International Dating Violence Study and country index scores, this study examines whether the overall well-being of a country during childhood affects the perpetration of DV in emerging adulthood. We also examine if the national status of women during childhood moderates the association between overall well-being of a country during childhood and DV perpetration in emerging adulthood, all while controlling for the individual effects of gender, violence approval, criminal history, neglect history, and anger management. The study's sample size included 4,280 people from 19 countries. Men reported less likelihood of perpetrating DV compared to women. Cross national comparative analysis revealed a significant interaction effect between country well-being and women status on DV perpetration (β = 0.69, p < .05) at the national level. When women's status was low or moderate, the well-being status showed an inverse effect on the probability of DV perpetration, but this direction switched in the face of high women's status. Contrary to previous research, higher women status may contribute to increased intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Our findings underscore the existence of context-specific social conditions in relationship to IPV. Broad implications of the findings, potential explanations and directions for future research are discussed.

Family Violence, Personality Traits, and Risk Behaviors: Links to Dating Violence Victimization and Perpetration Among College Students

Though dating violence (DV) is prevalent on college campuses, few studies have examined a multitude of risk factors that may better explain this process. As such, we examined the role of family violence (i.e., childhood physical abuse, witnessing parental violence), personality traits (i.e., entitlement, antisocial personality [ASP] and borderline personality [BP]) and risk behaviors (i.e., risky sexual behaviors, heavy drinking, marijuana use, illicit drug use) on DV victimization and perpetration among 783 college students. Path analysis revealed that witnessing parental violence was linked to DV perpetration while experiencing more physical abuse was positively correlated with entitlement (females only), ASP traits, and BP traits. ASP traits (both males and females) and entitlement (females only) were directly associated with high-risk behaviors. Among females, entitlement was also indirectly associated with DV victimization and perpetration through sexual risk behaviors. Findings highlight the importance of histories of physical abuse and personality traits in understanding DV.

Teen Dating Violence Help-Seeking Intentions and Behaviors Among Ethnically and Racially Diverse Youth: A Systematic Review

Teen dating violence (TDV) affects millions of youth in the United States and globally each year. A systematic review was conducted to examine the help-seeking intentions and behaviors of youth between the ages of 12 and 19 based on racial and ethnic differences. Considering the high prevalence of TDV among racially and ethnically diverse youth, previous systematic reviews have recommended that future scholarship address help-seeking intentions and behaviors among racially and ethnically diverse youth. The methodologies and results of TDV and help-seeking studies published since 2000 were reviewed and analyzed. A systematic search of peer-reviewed journal articles published in English was conducted using an electronic search. The rigorous search identified 10 studies that addressed help-seeking intentions and behaviors and racial and ethnic differences in youth meeting eligibility requirements. The search yielded few studies, indicating a need to conduct future research in this area. The strength of the studies' methodologies limited generalizability and external validity. The studies primarily addressed differences among African American and Latino youth. Youth relied on informal sources of support, with youth from both groups preferring to seek help from parents and friends. Mistrust, lack of closeness, and feelings of mistrust, shame, and embarrassment informed youths' help-seeking intentions and behaviors. Racially and ethnically specific factors such as negative perceptions of father figures, familism, acculturation, and traditional gender role notions were identified as barriers to help-seeking. As part of appraising and synthesizing the evidence, recommendations for research, practice, and policy are presented.

Dating Aggression and Observed Behaviors in a Nonconflictual Situation: The Role of Negative Anticipation

Past observational studies highlight meaningful behavioral differences between aggressive and nonaggressive couples during conflict interactions. However, research is needed on how aggressive couples communicate in other, nonconflictual interactional contexts. This study investigates how dating partners' perpetration of physical aggression relates to observed behaviors during a laboratory-based discussion during which dating couples planned a date together. We also investigated whether negative anticipation of the upcoming discussion influences dating partners' observed behaviors. Results showed that perpetration of dating aggression from one partner is linked to more negative behaviors from the other partner during the discussion. This association, however, is moderated by negative anticipation of the discussion; the link between aggression from one's partner and negative behaviors is significant at high levels (+1 SD) but not at low levels (-1 SD)of negative anticipation. One's own dating aggression also relates to fewer positive behaviors during the discussion. Findings suggest that couple aggression spills over to and potentially degrades the discussion of even nonthreatening, potentially enjoyable communications. Results also underscore negative anticipation of an interaction as a potential risky process that increases the likelihood of antagonistic exchanges between partners. The discussion addresses putative pathways between partner aggression and generalized communication patterns, and potential bi-directional effects with negative anticipation. We also discuss practical implications and targets of intervention to counteract the establishment of problematic communication dynamics in young couples.

Teenagers' and young adults' sexual behaviour and its associations with exposure to violence, among visitors at a Youth Centre in Sweden

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate differences between teenagers and young adults in sexual behaviours and exposure to emotional, physical and/or sexual violence, and the associations between sexual behaviours and exposure to violence, among youths who visit a Youth Centre in Sweden.

METHODS

A cross-sectional web survey was used among sexually experienced teenagers, aged 15-19, and young adults 20-24 years, wherein a total of 452 participated. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were used in the study.

RESULTS

A majority had unprotected sex during the last year, namely 55.4 % of teenagers and 58.3 % of young adults. A higher proportion of teenagers reported having early sex debut, before 15 years age, compared with young adults (p = .003). A higher proportion of young adults reported having experienced a sexually transmitted infection (p = <.001). Nearly half of the teenagers (44.9 %) and the young adults (44.6 %) stated having been exposed to emotional, physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime. Associations were found between all types of exposure to violence and having unprotected sex, using alcohol or drugs together with sex, and having had three or more different sex partners during last year.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of age, there was a high proportion of youths, visiting a Youth Centre, having unprotected sex and who experienced exposure to violence. As these experiences may negatively affect youths' future sexual and reproductive health, healthcare professionals should identify youths in need or with early-in-life needs.

Comparing Factors Shaping Sexual Violence Perpetration for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth and Cisgender Heterosexual Youth

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth experience higher rates of sexual violence victimization than their cisgender heterosexual counterparts. Very little is known about how the minority status of SGM youth contextualizes their victimization and perpetration experiences. In one-on-one interviews with 39 SGM youth and 11 cisgender heterosexuals (non-SGM) youth, we compared the contextual factors shaping sexual violence victimization and perpetration between the two groups using a qualitative descriptive approach. Interviews highlighted how SGM youth continue to experience extensive discrimination that negatively impacts all aspects of their lives, while non-SGM youth do not discuss having to navigate stigma and discrimination in their lives. SGM youth pointed to a lack of understanding of sexual violence within the SGM community. Both groups believed that SGM perpetration was unlikely: while most SGM and non-SGM youth agreed that sexual violence between youth was a problem, same-gender perpetration was seldom discussed. Unlike their non-SGM counterparts, SGM youth felt that they were targeted because of their sexual and gender identity. SGM youth also felt that they were more vulnerable to sexual violence because of how they physically looked, particularly if their gender expression did not match cis-normative expectations. SGM youth reported facing unique pressures when seeking support as a victim, particularly a fear of being outed or stigmatized as part of the process. They also conveyed that SGM people worried about being treated unfairly if they reported sexual violence to authorities. Findings suggest that stigma and concerns of discrimination are unique aspects of sexual violence for SGM compared to non-SGM youth. All youth need to have access to sexual violence prevention education that includes SGM and non-SGM youth as both victims and perpetrators to begin addressing these noted disparities in experiences.

Disparities in Adolescent Dating Violence and Associated Internalizing and Externalizing Mental Health Symptoms by Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Sexual Orientation

The current study examined the prevalence and mental health associated with physical and sexual dating violence among adolescents using an intersectional analysis. Data were obtained from 88,219 adolescents in the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey. Gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and experiences with teen dating violence were measured for each youth. Tested two- and three-way interactions demonstrate varied outcomes by social identification and emphasize the need for an intersectional approach in dating violence research. Adolescent dating violence was most prevalent among girls (10% physical, 13% sexual); adolescents were racially identified as Native North American (13% physical, 10% sexual), Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (12% physical, 14% sexual), or multiracial (11% physical, 12% sexual), and lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning their sexual orientation (LGBQ) adolescents (19% physical, 20% sexual). The intersectional groups with the highest rates of physical and sexual dating violence included Latinx GBQ boys (26% physical, 26% sexual) and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander GBQ boys (29% physical, 32% sexual). Among girls, highest rates were observed among Hawaiian/Pacific Islander LBQ (24% physical, 23% sexual). Externalizing symptoms associated with physical dating violence were most robust for risky sexual behavior (OR = 4.0), followed by physical fighting (OR = 3.0), and weapon carrying (OR = 2.5); they were also associated with sexual dating violence (ORs = 1.9-2.2). Internalizing symptoms were comparably associated with both types of dating violence (ORs = 2.6-2.9 physical and ORs = 2.4-2.8 sexual). Findings suggest first that an intersectional approach is especially informative in teen dating violence prevention and intervention and second that teen dating violence interventions and prevention programming should use a trauma-informed, gender-responsive, culturally sensitive, and LGBQ inclusive approach.

Early Childhood Predictors of Teen Dating Violence Involvement at Age 17

The distal relationship between risk factors in childhood and subsequent dating violence in late adolescence has not often been explored using longitudinal data. This study aims to shed light on the problem of dating violence by examining children’s backgrounds at age 7 and the link to the future involvement in dating violence at age 17 using the first and seventh waves of the Zurich Project on the Social Development from Childhood to Adulthood (z-proso, n = 644). The sample consists of 644 multiethnic adolescents (57.14% female, M = 17.47, SD = 0.37), mainly Swiss-born (90%), though more than half of their parents (60%) were born in another country. A latent class analysis was applied to identify three different profiles (a) zero (or minimal) involvement in teen dating violence, (b) perpetrators/victims of controlling behaviors, and (c) perpetrators/victims of controlling behaviors and of physical violence. Participants who were corporally punished and/or victims of bullying at age 7 were significantly more likely to belong to the controlling and physical violence profile than children in the non-violent class. These results suggest a certain chronicity of the effects of violent experiences in early childhood on the patterns of romantic relationships at 17 years old.

Assessment of Variation in US State Laws Addressing the Prevention of and Response to Teen Dating Violence in Secondary Schools

IMPORTANCE

Teen dating violence (TDV) is widespread and has adverse consequences across the life course. Many US states are actively seeking strategies to prevent and address TDV in schools, including enactment and implementation of TDV laws. These state laws are upstream, system-level interventions that lay the foundation for an array of downstream targeted interventions to be deployed in schools. Despite these laws gaining momentum in the past decade, there has been minimal research examining their content and variability.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the content and comprehensiveness of US state laws addressing prevention of and response to TDV in secondary schools.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A team of public health and legal researchers used systematic policy surveillance methods to develop a comprehensive database of state laws addressing TDV in schools in all 50 US states and the District of Columbia (referred to hereinafter as "states") in effect as of September 30, 2020. Using LexisNexis and state legislature websites, state laws (statutes and administrative codes) were identified.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Components for each law were coded within 5 categories: scope, prevention education, policy, response, and implementation.

RESULTS

Overall, 38 states (74.5%) had at least 1 law addressing TDV in secondary schools and 13 states (25.5%) did not. Fewer than half of states with a law (15 of 38 [39.5%]) defined TDV. All 38 states addressed prevention education, with 29 (76.3%) requiring and 9 (23.7%) encouraging these efforts. Prevention education was largely for students in most states (35 [92.1%]), but some states also required school staff (18 [47.4%]) and parents (8 [21.1%]) to receive prevention education. Fewer than half of states required (14 [36.8%]) or encouraged (3 [7.9%]) school districts to develop a policy addressing TDV. Very few states included requirements for how schools must respond to TDV incidents. Fewer than a third of states designated an individual to coordinate TDV efforts (12 [31.6%]), included a funding provision in their laws for TDV programs and policies (10 [26.3%]), and included explicit consequences for noncompliance with TDV laws (12 [31.6%]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This cross-sectional study found that most US states had laws addressing TDV in schools, but there was significant variation in the content and comprehensiveness of the laws. These findings can inform the development of more comprehensive laws on TDV that may ultimately reduce such incidents.

A 10 year (2011-2021) systematic review of teen dating violence prevention programs

BACKGROUND

Teen dating violence (TDV) refers to the physical, sexual and/or psychological violence that takes place within a romantic relationship amongst teenagers. TDV has devastating consequences for the victims, particularly for young women, who also experience increased risk of relationship violence in their adulthood. In view of this, the implementation of effective TDV prevention programs has the potential to tackle both TDV and contribute to eradicate gender-based violence. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review examining the effectiveness of the TDV programs published during the last decade (2011-2021).

METHODS

From the 1143 studies identified through the database searches, 28 met the inclusion criteria: 10-18 years old; experimental, or quasi-experimental with control group; examining knowledge, attitudes and/or TDV behavior indicators; 2011-2021.

RESULTS

Although there were still many programs focused on changing knowledge and attitudes only, we found an increase in the number of studies examining TDV behavioral indicators. A modest improvement in the quality of the programs in terms of their ability to modify the desired TDV behaviors was detected, yet resistance to change was still observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Effective programs met many of the requirements specified by the gender transformative programme literature (time-intensive, multilevel, multicomponent skill development approaches). Nonetheless, we identified some brief, creative and effective interventions worth implementing given their cost-efficacy.

A Coach-Delivered Dating Violence Prevention Program: Coach Perspectives on Implementation

Coaching Boys into Men (CBIM), an evidence-based violence prevention program, utilizes the coach-athlete relationship to deliver information about healthy, respectful relationships to adolescent boys involved in athletics. Although CBIM has demonstrated effectiveness in clinical research trials, its implementation outside of an effectiveness study has not been explored. The purpose of this current study was to explore facilitators and barriers of effective implementation in community settings using experiences from one regional implementation in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Head coaches who implemented CBIM from 2017-2018 seasons (n = 35) were contacted and 22 (63%) agreed to participate. Coaches were asked how they delivered CBIM to their team, what aided the process, barriers to facilitation, and their overall thoughts on CBIM implementation. Interviews were structured to uncover specific information regarding implementation while also providing time and space for coaches to voice their suggestions and opinions. Interviews were coded using descriptive content analysis. Key facilitators to implementation were involvement of violence prevention advocates, athletic directors, assistant coaches, and players and having flexibility to integrate current events to emphasize topics covered in CBIM. Observed improvements in bystander intervention behaviors and better attitudes towards women and girls among athletes were key motivators for coaches to continue the program. Main barriers were inconsistencies in time available to discuss topics with players and need to refresh curriculum content over multiple seasons. Coaches identified components necessary for broader and sustained implementation of this evidence-based violence prevention intervention in community settings. Coaches' confidence in delivering program content can be bolstered with appropriate strategies in place to address barriers. As coaches witness positive impacts among their athletes, these successes contribute to coaches recognizing their role in transforming sports into a platform for community-wide violence prevention.

Same Personality, New Ways to Abuse: How Dark Tetrad Personalities Are Connected With Cyber Intimate Partner Violence

New technologies bring new forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) or abuse, such as cyber intimate partner violence (C-IPV). This is a contemporary issue with different consequences from in-person IPV. C-IPV is a complex phenomenon triggered by a number of factors, including personality traits such as the Dark Tetrad, composed of four "malevolent" qualities: subclinical narcissism, Machiavellianism, subclinical psychopathy, and everyday sadism. The Dark Tetrad plays an important role in predicting the perpetration or victimization of the resulting pervasive behaviors. Although the correlations between in-person IPV and the Dark Tetrad have been studied before, to our knowledge this investigation is the first to look at the links between these four dark personality traits and C-IPV. With a sample of 1,189 participants, we measured C-IPV victimization and perpetration rates and compared the results with the Dark Tetrad profiles of the respondents. To analyze these correlations, we conducted bivariate analysis and structural equation modeling. The analysis yielded positive relations of psychopathy and narcissism with cyber controlling behaviors. Psychopathy was found to be strongly related with direct cyber aggression behaviors; sadism was mainly related with C-IPV victimization in both controlling and direct aggression, and, finally and interestingly, Machiavellianism presented negative correlations with direct cyber aggression. Remarkable is that joining sadistic personalities increased vulnerability to victimization from C-IPV direct aggression, as well as more psychopathic traits and an increased probability of perpetration. These combinations may create dangerous situations. In conclusion, we found that both C-IPV perpetrators and victims present higher scores in the dark personality traits and gender-based differences than in-person IPV actors.

Validity of a three-item dating abuse victimization screening tool in a 11-21 year old sample

Background

Dating abuse (DA) is prevalent and consequential, but no brief DA screening tools are available for use in pediatric or other settings. This study was designed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the MARSHA-C, which is a three-item DA victimization screening tool.

Methods

The participants were 224 U.S. youth ages 11–21 years old (20% male, 77% female, 3% non-binary gender). Youth completed an online questionnaire about adolescent relationship abuse. The survey included the Measure of Adolescent Relationship Harassment and Abuse (MARSHA), which is a comprehensive DA measurement instrument normed on a nationally representative sample. Of 34 DA victimization items from the MARSHA, the three most prevalent items were hypothesized to have good predictive validity of the full scale score as a brief, screening version (MARSHA-C). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the MARSHA-C to identify victims of DA was calculated.

Results

Using the MARSHA as the reference standard, the cutpoint of 1 on the MARSHA-C screening tool was identified as optimal. The MARSHA-C had a sensitivity of 84%, a specificity of 91%, and positive predictive value of 91%. Thus, for youth who endorse ≥ 1 MARSHA-C items, there is a 91% probability that they have experienced DA in the past year. Exploratory analyses by demographic subgroups suggest that the predictive validity of the MARSHA-C is approximately equivalent for females and males, younger and older adolescents, Asian, Black, Latinx, Multiracial and White youth, and heterosexual and lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth.

Conclusions

The MARSHA-C can be used to detect DA among 11–21-year-old youth via online surveys for research purposes, or in clinical care settings to facilitate proactive patient counseling or parent-oriented anticipatory guidance.

Relationship Factors Associated With Early Adolescent Dating Violence Victimization and Perpetration Among Latinx Youth in an Agricultural Community

Latinx early adolescents within the United States are particularly vulnerable to dating violence; yet, little research has examined early dating experiences and violence outside large urban settings. Latinxs, in particular, may experience a unique window of opportunity for dating violence (DV) prevention during early adolescence, based on their trends in risk behavior over the adolescent period. This study extends the current research on dating violence by examining a highly understudied population, Latinx early adolescent girls and boys residing in an agricultural community, by assessing victimization and perpetration, and examining interpersonal-level factors as potential risk and protective factors for violence. Using data from a prospective cohort study of Latinx adolescents with relationship experience (past six months) (N = 296; girls: n = 147; boys: n = 149; mean age: 13.8), we assessed the association between dating relationship characteristics and dating violence victimization and perpetration using modified-Poisson regression models with robust standard errors stratified by gender. In multivariable analyses, we found that girls with gang-affiliated partners, partner-related withdrawal from friends, and girls who had used drugs or alcohol with a partner experienced greater risk for dating violence. Additionally, holding beliefs supportive of female sexual naivete and engaging in and communicating about sexual activity were associated with victimization among girls. No significant associations were found among boys. Findings affirm the need for multilevel DV prevention programming that starts in middle school and addresses social isolation, gang exposure, and traditional Latinx gender-norm beliefs regarding marianismo. These findings underscore the imperative to coordinate dating and gang violence prevention efforts by addressing common co-occurring interpersonal and environmental risk factors, including social isolation and culturally-specific traditional beliefs. Such factors could also assist providers, families, and peers in early identification of Latinx early adolescents at risk for DV, especially in rural contexts where resources are often limited.

The Psychometric Properties of the Measure of Adolescent Relationship Harassment and Abuse (MARSHA) With a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Youth

This article describes a new instrument that assesses adolescent dating abuse (ADA) victimization and perpetration. The Measure of Adolescent Relationship Harassment and Abuse (MARSHA) is a comprehensive instrument that includes items on physical, sexual, and psychological ADA, as well as cyber dating abuse, social control, and invasion of privacy. Data for this study came from a population-based, nationally representative sample of adolescents ages 11 to 21 years old (N = 1,257). Exploratory factor analysis was conducted for the victimization and perpetration versions of the MARSHA, and convergent and divergent validity were assessed using the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (CADRI) and the juvenile victimization questionnaire (JVQ), respectively. Results suggest that the MARSHA has good reliability and validity, and that each subscale had good internal consistency. The authors propose that the MARSHA may be a strong alternative to the CADRI or the conflict tactics scale (CTS) because it reflects contemporary forms of abuse, such as online harassment and pressure to send nude selfies, and the nonconsensual dissemination of sexually explicit images.

Psychological violence in dating relationships among adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevention programs

Teen Psychological Dating Violence (TPDV) is a serious public health concern. However, there is limited evidence on the capacity of programs to prevent this form of violence. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to evaluate the efficacy of prevention programs for TPDV. PsycINFO/Eric/PsycArticles, PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception through January 2021 to identify RCTs of prevention programs for adolescents that reported a measure of TPDV. The effect sizes were computed as the difference between the prevention program and control group at post or follow-up assessment by calculating Hedges's g with a random-effect model. Thirteen trials met inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. There was a small but significant effect size in favor of the prevention group as compared to the control condition for victimization (g = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.37; p < 0.001) and perpetration (g = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.37; p < 0.001) of TPDV. Overall, the combined effect size for any TPDV perpetration/victimization was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.11 to 0.34; p < 0.001). Exploratory subgroup analysis showed that programs implemented at multiple levels (such as home, school, community) reported significantly larger effect sizes compared to single-level interventions. Significant differences in effect sizes were also associated with the type of scale used to assess TPDV. Current evidence suggests that intervention programs for TPDV may be effective, particularly when implemented at multiple levels. Further research focusing on refining tools to assess TPDV is needed.

Teen Dating Violence Victimization: Associations Among Peer Justification, Attitudes Toward Gender Inequality, Sexual Activity, and Peer Victimization

The current study, grounded in a social learning theoretical framework, examined attitudes and behaviors associated with verbal and physical teen dating violence (TDV) victimization. Because TDV varies by gender in both frequency and severity, these associations were examined first within the overall sample, and then by gender to further investigate these differences. A total of 1,884 adolescents (49.2% boys; 50.8% girls; average age 14.79 years; SD = .58) who reported ever dating someone were included in the analysis. Specifically, peers' justification of TDV, attitudes supporting gender inequality, sexual activity, and peer victimization were included to determine their cross-sectional association with verbal and physical TDV victimization. Data were analyzed separately for boys and girls. Results indicated that peers' justification of TDV, peer victimization, sexual activity, and attitudes supporting gender inequality were each associated with higher physical and verbal TDV victimization for girls and boys. Most of these factors remained significant when separated by gender, except for sexual activity and attitudes supporting gender inequality, which were not associated with physical TDV victimization for boys and girls, respectively. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

The Lasting Influence of a Peer-led Adolescent Relationship Abuse Prevention Program on Former Peer Leaders' Relationships, Identities, and Trajectories in Emerging Adulthood

Adolescent relationship abuse (ARA) has well-documented detrimental health effects. Adolescence is a window of opportunity to promote development of healthy relationship behaviors. Although peer-led interventions have a history of use in the health education field, there are few rigorously evaluated peer-led interventions targeting ARA. Start Strong leverages peer support by training adolescents to deliver ARA prevention curriculum to younger peers. Although the program has shown positive results in recipients, little is known about the impact on the peer leaders themselves. This qualitative study describes the impact of being an ARA prevention peer leader on former peer leaders' relationships and trajectories in emerging adulthood. Specific objectives include: (a) how being a peer leader shaped participants' norms around romantic relationships and ARA, and (b) the impact of participating in a peer leadership program on their emerging adult lives. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with former peer leaders and coded transcripts using thematic analysis. Fourteen former peer leaders aged 18-26 participated. Most participants (99%) identified as Black or Afro-Latinx. Participants described a lasting impact on their relationships, identity formation, future orientation, and professional lives. Participants highlighted the skills they use to avoid unhealthy relationships and help friends and family navigate their relationships. They identified unexpected challenges, including a sense of isolation around how their relationship expectations differ from same-aged peers, and trepidation about dating partners without advanced healthy relationship knowledge. Participants highlighted positive impacts beyond those pertaining to relationships, including their identity development and expanded sense of opportunity. Finally, they identified tangible skills gained from program participation and relevance to their professional paths. This study suggests that peer-led ARA prevention programs have a far-reaching impact on participants' lives that lasts into adulthood. Future studies may examine how professional development within peer-led interventions can influence future orientation and thus bolster protective factors against ARA.

Dating violence in adolescents in residential care: Frequency and associated factors

Prevalence of dating violence (DV) is increasing, so the detailed study of the related factors can help to intervene in it more specifically. This study had three goals: to analyse the frequency of DV; to explore the differences between the frequency of perpetration and victimization of DV and sexist attitudes, antisocial and criminal behaviours and personal adjustment and to identify predictor variables of the frequency of DV. The sample consisted of 271 adolescents in residential care (54.6% boys and 45.4% girls), aged between 12 and 17 years (M = 15.23,SD = 1.60). The results showed that 91.5% of the adolescents perpetrate violence and 88.6% are victimized in their dating relationships. Of them, 28% said they committed frequent violence and 27.3% suffered it frequently. Adolescents who frequently perpetrate or experience violence differ from those who do so occasionally in their personal adjustment, antisocial and criminal behaviours and sexist attitudes. The predictors of the violence perpetration were age, hostile paternalistic sexism and antisocial behaviours. The predictors of victimization were sex, age, hostile paternalistic sexism and self‐esteem. The results of this study could be useful for the prevention and intervention in DV in the area of residential care.

Gender-equitable Attitudes, Rape Myth Acceptance, and Perceived Peer Acceptance of Violence among High School Students: An Examination of Gender and Athletic Involvement

Adolescent relationship abuse (ARA) impacts approximately one-third of teens and is associated with myriad negative health outcomes. Studies on college men indicate that athletes hold less gender-equitable attitudes (GEA), greater rape myth acceptance (RMA), and higher perceived peer support for violence (PSV), and that these attitudes are associated with perpetration risk. However, research has yet to compare the prevalence of these attitudes across gender and athletic status among high school students. The present study addressed this gap by examining the direct and interactive effects of gender and athletic status on GEA, RMA, and PSV in a large sample of high school students living in the United States. Results showed that boys involved in athletics reported lower GEA, higher RMA, and higher PSV than girls involved in athletics and non-athletes. Findings demonstrate the importance of addressing attitudes associated with violent behavior among high school boys involved in athletics, in order to reduce risk of ARA.

High School Students' Perceptions of School Personnel's Intentions to Help Prevent Teen Sexual and Dating Violence: Associations with Attitudes and Intended Behaviors. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022;37:NP5471-NP5494. [PMID: 35369777 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520960115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Adolescents are at high risk for sexual and dating violence (SDV) at school, indicating need for both adolescents and school personnel to engage in bystander behavior to prevent SDV. Adolescents' perceptions of social norms about bystander behavior, including their perceptions about social norms among school personnel, may impact adolescents' own SDV attitudes and intended bystander behavior. Based on social norms theory, the current research examines adolescents who underestimate, accurately perceive, and overestimate school personnel's reactive (responding to a current situation) and proactive (spreading messaging about prevention) bystander behaviors. High school students (N = 3,404; mean age = 15.7; 87.2% White; 87% heterosexual) and school personnel (N = 1,150) from 25 schools completed surveys. Adolescents who underestimated school personnel's reactive and proactive bystander behavior had more accepting attitudes towards violence and less bystander behavior intentions. Correcting misperceived norms about bystander behavior may improve students' own bystander behavior.

Directionality of Dating Violence Among High School Youth: Rates and Correlates by Gender and Sexual Orientation

Sexual minority adolescents are at greater risk for experiencing teen dating violence (TDV) in their dating relationships. Although adolescents in dating relationships often report experiencing and perpetrating various forms of TDV, the directionality of TDV based on youth's reported gender and sexual orientation is not known. A sample of 10th-grade students (N = 1,622) recruited from high schools in the Northeastern United States completed assessments of TDV victimization and perpetration and reported their past-month heavy alcohol use and marijuana use. Sexual minority girls (58%) and boys (36%) were more likely to experience TDV than heterosexual girls (38%) and boys (25%), respectively. Sexual minority boys were less likely, although the confidence intervals included one, to engage in dual-role physical TDV (odds ratio [OR] = 0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.00, 1.26]) and threatening TDV (OR = 0.14, 95% CI [0.00, 1.02]), and instead were more likely to be victimized. In contrast, the profiles of TDV were similar for girls, with sexual minority girls only being more likely than heterosexual girls to report dual-role physical TDV (OR = 2.23, 95% CI [1.07, 4.66]). Compared with unidirectional TDV, bidirectional TDV was significantly associated with sexual minority girls' substance use, but not with heterosexual girls' substance use. Sexual minority youth report higher rates of TDV, with sexual minority boys being distinctly at-risk for being victimized within their dating relationships. Engagement in both TDV victimization and perpetration was distinctly associated with substance use for sexual minority girls, highlighting the need for integrated prevention efforts and support.

Socioeconomic inequalities in sexual victimisation in a nationally representative sample of the Swedish population

AIMS

Sexual victimisation is a key public health concern because of its physical, psychological and social consequences. Nationally representative studies exploring sexual victimisation and re-victimisation are still scarce. The aim of the current study was to explore associations of sexual victimisation with sociodemographic factors including sexual orientation in Sweden.

METHODS

We used Swedish data from a national population survey linked to nationwide registers. The sample consisted of 3349 individuals aged 30-44 years, (2021 women and 1328 men). With a latent class analysis we identified groups of individuals with distinctly different experiences of sexual victimisation. Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore how common characteristics could explain latent class membership classes.

RESULTS

Experiences of sexual victimisation were common: 48% of women and 13% of men had experienced sexual harassment, 47% of women and 12% of women sexual assault, 11% of women and 1% of men attempted intercourse and 8% of women and 1% of men rape. Among women four groups were identified who had distinctly different experiences of exposure to sexual victimisation such as low victimisation, sexually harassed and assaulted several times, highly sexually victimised with low re-victimisation and finally high victimisation. Both women and men who were highly sexually victimised had to a higher extent a non-heterosexual sexual identity.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-heterosexual orientation is a robust indicator of a high level of sexual victimisation as well as re-victimisation among both male and female adults.

An Algorithm Using Administrative Data to Measure Adverse Childhood Experiences (ADM-ACE)

OBJECTIVE

To develop an algorithm using administrative data to measure adverse childhood experiences (ADM-ACE) within routinely collected health insurance claims and enrollment data.

DATA SOURCES

We used claims and enrollment data from Tennessee's Medicaid program (TennCare) in 2018.

STUDY DESIGN

We studied five types of ACEs: maltreatment and peer violence, foster care and family disruption, maternal mental illness, maternal substance use disorder, and abuse of the mother. We used diagnosis and procedure codes, prescription drug fills, and enrollment files to develop the ADM-ACE, which we applied to measure the prevalence of ACEs and to examine prevalence by demographic characteristics among our sample of children in TennCare. We compared ADM-ACE prevalence to child welfare records and survey results from Tennessee.

DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS

Our study sample included children aged 0-17 years who were linked to their mothers if also enrolled in TennCare in 2018 (N=763,836 children).

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Approximately 19.2% of children in TennCare had indicators for ADM-ACEs. The prevalence of ACEs was higher among children who were younger (p<0.001), non-Hispanic White or Black (compared to Hispanic) (p<0.001), and children residing in rural vs. urban counties (p<0.001). The prevalence of maltreatment identified through the ADM-ACE (1.6%) falls between the percent of children in Tennessee who were reported to child welfare authorities and the percent for whom reports of maltreatment were substantiated. Comparison with survey reports from Tennessee parents suggests an advantage in measuring maternal mental illness with the ADM-ACE using health insurance claims data.

CONCLUSIONS

The ADM-ACE can be applied to health encounter data to study and monitor the prevalence of certain ACEs, their association with health conditions, and the effects of policies on reducing exposure to ACEs or improving health outcomes for children with ACEs.

Addressing Adolescent Relationship Abuse in the Context of Reproductive Health Care

Adolescent relationship abuse (ARA) is a significant public health issue that includes physical, sexual, psychological and cyber abuse, reproductive coercion, and/or sexual exploitation within an intimate relationship in which one or both partners is a minor. ARA is associated with numerous negative outcomes that include all domains of health. Many negative outcomes of ARA are related to reproductive and sexual health (RSH); thus, reproductive health care providers must be equipped to recognize and address ARA. This article will review the epidemiology and outcomes of ARA, followed by a discussion of means to robustly address ARA in health care settings. We recommend a strengths-based approach that promotes healthy adolescent relationships, connects adolescents experiencing ARA to harm reduction resources, and equips adolescents to serve as a resource for their peers.

Polydrug Use and Dating Violence Among Emerging Adults

We examined sociodemographic and psychosocial risk factors that moderate the (poly) substance use and dating violence victimization and perpetration relationship among emerging adults. Using an ethnically diverse sample (N = 698), we used latent class analyses to identify mutually exclusive groups based on monthly and past-year substance use. We then examined these groups as they relate to dating violence victimization and perpetration and the moderating effect of various risk factors. Five classes were identified based on substance use patterns: (a) Regular Alcohol use, (b) Polysubstance use, (c) Heavy Alcohol and Marijuana use, (d) Mild Alcohol use, and (e) Occasional Alcohol and Marijuana use classes. Participants in the Polysubstance use class were the most likely to perpetrate dating violence followed by Heavy Alcohol and Marijuana use, Occasional Alcohol and Marijuana use, Regular Alcohol, and Mild Alcohol use classes. Similarly, participants in the Polysubstance use class were the most likely to be victims of dating violence followed by Occasional Alcohol and Marijuana, Heavy Alcohol and Marijuana, Regular Alcohol, and Mild Alcohol use classes. Depending on substance use class, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, history of dating violence, and trauma symptoms differentially influenced dating violence perpetration and victimization at 1-year follow-up. Our findings support the need to comprehensively address dating violence among emerging adults. Intimate partner violence prevention and intervention programs may benefit from targeting emerging adults who misuse substances and incorporating substance use interventions into dating violence prevention efforts.

Management of Aggression in Young Male Adults Using the Virtual Reality-Based Communication Modification Program

High aggression is common and costly for mental health problems in young adults. Because communication is a universal part of social relationships, including conflicts with others, it could be a possible target for mediating aggression. This study aimed to evaluate whether the virtual reality (VR)-based communication modification program can be utilized for aggression management. Fifty-eight individuals with high aggression (n = 30) and with low aggression (n = 28) completed psychological assessments associated with aggression and functional communication, and they participated in the program, consisting of the three tasks: exploring the communication style, practicing functional communication, and expressing empathy. The participants’ selections and their visual analog scale scores, in response to questions in the tasks, were collected as behavioral data. Results indicated that the high aggression group selected blaming dysfunctional communication style more frequently than the low aggression group. VR-based parameters, expected to reflect dysfunctional communication-related characteristics, showed significantly different correlations with aggression-related traits between the two groups. These findings show that our program may accurately represent an individual’s aggressive traits and elicit the appropriate reaction.

Dating violence, violence in social networks, anxiety and depression in nursing degree students: A cross-sectional study

AIM

To determine the prevalence and risk factors for dating violence and the correlations between dating violence and violence in social networks, anxiety and depression among nursing students.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional and correlational study.

METHODS

This study was conducted with nursing degree students at Spanish university during May 2021. A total of 248 nursing students completed an online survey. The online survey included sociodemographic variables, the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory, the Social Network Violence Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Chi-squared test, Pearson's correlation and logistic regression were used.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 13.3% were men and 86.7% were women. A total of 53.2% had experienced and/or perpetrated dating violence. About violence in social networks, 22.2% of the participants had perpetrated it, and 20.2% had been victims of it. Strong correlations were found between experiencing and perpetrating dating violence. Significant associated factors were cohabitation with a partner, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status and history of dating violence.

CONCLUSIONS

Dating violence is a serious problem given its high prevalence among the surveyed nursing students, who, as future health professionals, must know how to recognize and react to possible cases of abuse.

IMPACT

The study results add to international literature that men and women university nursing students are equally susceptible to intimate partner violence and report similar prevalence of dating violence. Also, dating violence is correlated with increased levels of anxiety and depression. It seems to be necessary to implement training programmes that help minimize the problem and identify possible cases.

Efficacy of Interventions to Prevent Physical and Sexual Dating Violence Among Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Sexual and physical dating violence is prevalent among adolescents and is associated with adverse health effects.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to assess the efficacy of prevention programs for sexual and physical dating violence in adolescents.

DATA SOURCES

Search terms were combined for dating violence, adolescents, and randomized clinical trials in PsycINFO/Eric/PsycArticles, PubMed, and Web of Science databases from inception through April 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

Included studies had a randomized design of any type examining the efficacy of an intervention to reduce dating violence among adolescents and provided at least 1 measure of sexual or physical dating violence.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data extraction coded characteristics of trials, participants, and interventions and assessed risk of bias using the Revised Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool. Outcomes were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore the target population and intervention factors associated with positive outcomes.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The odds ratio (OR) was calculated for 3 different outcomes: (1) sexual dating violence, (2) physical dating violence, and (3) composite measures of sexual and physical dating violence. For each outcome, separate analyses were conducted for survivorship and perpetration scores. We also combined the scores of physical/sexual violence and perpetration/survivorship of teen dating violence into a single composite overall outcome including all studies.

RESULTS

Eighteen trials (22 781 adolescents) were included. Overall, interventions were associated with reduced physical and sexual dating violence (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69-0.89; P < .001). Separate analyses further indicated that this association was significant for physical violence perpetration (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59-0.92; P = .01) and survivorship (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64-0.95; P = .01). For sexual violence, the association was not statistically significant. Exploratory subgroup analyses revealed that trials targeting at-risk youth, older adolescents (age >15 years), and trials involving parents in the intervention reported significantly larger effect sizes. Meta-regression analyses did not show any significant associations between intervention effect sizes and length or intensity of the programs. Publication bias was observed, but the adjusted ORs remained significant. Three studies reported iatrogenic associations.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Findings from this study suggest that prevention programs may be effective in reducing physical teen dating violence, but there is unclear evidence of the effect on sexual violence outcomes. Further research assessing the active ingredients of interventions, especially in the area of sexual dating violence, is warranted.

Integrating Dehumanization and Attachment in the Prediction of Teen Dating Violence Perpetration

Dehumanization has the potential to account for different abusive behaviors because it involves making negative judgments of others that make it easier to harm them. However, research has not resorted to this mechanism to analyze teen dating violence (TDV) perpetration, nor has it examined its association with the broader representations of others linked to attachment. The first objective of this study was to analyze whether dehumanization of one's partner (lesser perceived agency and experience) and attribution of evilness were associated with a higher level of TDV perpetration and specific attachment styles. The second objective was to develop a structural equation model (SEM) that allowed integration of the links between all these factors. Participants in this cross-sectional study were 1799 adolescents who completed a survey in high schools. The results showed that those who were classified as high in TDV perpetration did perceive lower agency, lower experience, and higher evilness in their partners. The dehumanized perception of one's partner was found to vary according to the attachment styles, with those highest in avoidance (dismissive and fearful) dehumanizing their partners the most. The SEM showed that dehumanization is related to avoidant and not to anxious attachment. It also pointed to the relevance of attribution of evilness in predicting TDV perpetration. The invariance of the model was tested across gender subsamples. These findings allow better understanding of how violence may arise in early relationships and where to focus intervention with adolescents.

Effects of DARSI Intervention Program on Adolescents’ Perceptions of Love, Tolerance toward Abuse and Dating Violence Perpetration

Teen dating violence is a serious problem and intervention programs aimed at reducing this violence and helping adolescents to develop healthier romantic relationships are needed. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of the DARSI program on the development of a more adequate perception of love, the reduction of tolerance toward abuse in romantic relationships, and the reduction of the perpetration of dating violence in adolescents. The sample consisted of 129 adolescents, aged 12 to 17 years (M = 14.05, SD = 1.08). A repeated measures (pre-test and post-test) quasi-experimental design with an intervention group and a control group was used to assess the effects of the program. The results showed significant decreases in unhealthy perceptions of love (linking love with control and dependence), tolerance toward abuse in romantic relationships, and dating violence perpetration in the intervention group. Healthier perceptions of love (linking love with respect and communication) were observed in the intervention group after the implementation of this program. These findings support the implementation in educational contexts of programs focused on the development of non-violent and healthy romantic relationships in adolescents.

Exploring the causal role of intimate partner violence and abuse on depressive symptoms in young adults: a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown an association between experience of intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) and depression. Whether this is a causal relationship or explained by prior vulnerability that influences the risk of both IPVA and depression is not known.

METHODS

We analysed data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children prospective cohort (N = 1764 women, 1028 men). To assess the causal association between IPVA at 18-21 years old and logged depressive symptom scores at age 23, we used (i) multivariable linear regression, (ii) inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), and (iii) difference-in-difference (DiD) analysis, which compared the mean change in logged depressive symptom scores between ages 16 and 23 between those who experienced IPVA and those who did not.

RESULTS

Women who experienced IPVA had on average 26% higher depressive symptom scores after adjustment for measured confounders (ratio of geometric means 1.26, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.40). In men, the difference was 5% (ratio of geometric means 1.05, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.21). Results from IPTW analysis were similar. In the DiD analysis, there was no evidence that being exposed to IPVA affected the change in depressive symptom scores over time compared to being in the non-exposed group for either women (difference-in-differences 1%, -12 to 16%) or men (-1%, -19 to 20%).

CONCLUSIONS

Multivariable linear regression and IPTW suggested an association between IPVA and higher depressive symptom score in women but not men, but DiD analysis indicated a null effect in both women and men. This suggests the causal origins of higher depressive symptoms in this young adult population are likely to reflect prior vulnerability that leads to both higher depressive symptoms and increased risk of IPVA exposure.

Gender differences in the victim-offender overlap for dating violence: The role of early violent socialization

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious problem in dating relationships among college students. The cycle of violence and social learning perspectives suggest that early violent socialization - inclusive of adverse socialization (i.e., prosocial violent messages, witnessing violence, or victimization by someone other than family) and experiences of child maltreatment - is one of the most robust risk factors for IPV involvement.

OBJECTIVE

The effects of early violent socialization were explored to understand the underlying mechanisms that influence victimization, perpetration, and the victim-offender overlap in IPV.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Using data from the International Dating Violence Study, we examined the role of early violent socialization on physical violence victimization and/or perpetration among U.S. college students in a dating relationship during early adulthood (N = 3447; aged 18 to 25 years).

METHODS

Multinomial regressions were estimated. Models were stratified across gender.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that 35% of participants reported IPV involvement, with 24.4% of the total sample reporting membership in the victim-offender group. Adverse socialization (RRR = 1.03, p < .05) and sexual abuse (RRR = 1.03, p < .01) were associated with increased risk for involvement in the victim-offender group. Also, there were pronounced gender differences across the IPV involvement categories. Significant interactions between adverse socialization and neglect, as well as adverse socialization with physical abuse, emerged in the male sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Early adverse experiences might be crucial to prevent violence, and accounting for gender differences is important when designing prevention and intervention programs.

A Mixed-Method Process Evaluation of an Intervention to Improve Social Reactions to Disclosures of Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse

Because of the high rates and deleterious consequences of sexual assault (SA) and partner abuse (PA) on college campuses, there is a proliferation of programming to both prevent and respond to these issues. Most research to date, however, presents outcome evaluation data on these programs and neglects to present process evaluation data which are critical for program refinement and dissemination. The purpose of this study was to present process evaluation data (i.e., acceptability and feasibility) specific to a program that endeavored to increase positive and decrease negative social reactions from disclosure recipients to individuals disclosing SA and PA. Participants were 303 students who completed the program and participated in postintervention surveys and a subset of students (n = 18) who completed exit interviews. Results documented that the program was both feasible and acceptable, as evidenced by high satisfaction ratings. Important suggestions were also provided for how to improve the program, such as reducing repetition and making scenarios more realistic. Finally, participants who reported higher program engagement and more program usage generally reported more intentions to provide positive social reactions, less intentions to provide negative social reactions, and less actual negative social reactions. This information is useful not only for adapting the current program discussed herein but also for program developers and preventionists wishing to create similar programming to effectively prevent and improve response to SA and PA.

Predictors of uptake and retention in an intervention to improve social reactions to disclosures of sexual assault and partner abuse

Objective Examine uptake (e.g., initial session participation) and retention (e.g., booster session participation) in an intervention about responding to sexual assault and partner abuse disclosures. Participants: Participants were 836 students (primarily White; upper-middle class) at a medium-sized university. Method: Participants completed baseline surveys, were invited to a two-session intervention, and responded to a follow-up survey. Results: Initial session attendance was 36.2% (n = 303); of those, 83.1% (n = 252) attended the booster. Female, sexual minority students, and students with fewer prior negative reactions, and higher initial session satisfaction were more likely to attend than other students. Participants' reported reasons for not attending included scheduling problems and topic discomfort. Participants reported that remote attendance and higher cash incentives would have made attendance more likely. Conclusion: Findings indicate the draw of cash incentives, a need to reach high-risk students and integrate into existing organizations, and the potential for individualized prevention.

Profiles of Teen Dating Violence and Association With Depression Among Chinese Teens

Teen dating violence (TDV) is a major global public health concern. Few studies, however, have examined profiles of TDV in Chinese societies and how these profiles might be associated with teens' mental health. The current study analyzed a sample of 891 middle and high school students with dating experience in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Latent class analysis (LCA) and multinomial logit regression analysis were performed in an attempt to identify profiles of TDV and then investigate possible associations between class membership and self-reported depression. The results of LCA suggested that a four-class model was the best fit for the data: Severe/Multi-Type TDV (5.51%), Controlling Behavior (13.08%), Non/Low TDV (64.50%), and Physical Violence (16.91%). The best-fit model suggested bidirectionality, meaning among teen partners in an abusive relationship, both tended to participate in violent acts and controlling behaviors. The results of the multinomial regression showed that, compared with the Non/Low TDV class, teens in the Severe/Multi-Type TDV class or Controlling Behavior class had greater odds of screening positive for depression. There was no significant difference in the risk of depression between the Physical Violence class and the Non/Low TDV class. Implications for future research and practice are also discussed herein.

Development and Validation of the Teen Dating Aggression Measure Among Canadian Youth

Teen dating violence (TDV) victimization is a traumatic experience that can have adverse consequences for adolescents. Current measures that assess TDV do not fully distinguish between psychological and relational forms of aggression, nor do they capture aggressive acts that are common within adolescent relationships. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Teen Dating Aggression Measure (TeDAM) using a sample of 730 Canadian adolescents (M = 15.88 years, SD = 1.23). The measure is an expansion of the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory and includes items that describe other forms of violence such as coercion and control, along with more traditional indicators of dating violence (e.g., sexual aggression). Factor analyses yielded three factors, namely psychological aggression, sexual and physical aggression, and relational aggression, which were correlated with more frequent cannabis and alcohol use as well as rape myth acceptance. These results provide initial support for the utility of the TeDAM for assessing TDV with adolescents.

Child Maltreatment, Youth Violence, Intimate Partner Violence, and Elder Mistreatment: A Review and Theoretical Analysis of Research on Violence Across the Life Course

This article reports the results of a scoping review of the literature on life-course patterns of violence that span the developmental periods of childhood, adolescence, and early and middle adulthood. We also assess the evidence on elder mistreatment and its relation to earlier forms of violence. Additionally, we draw on theories and empirical studies to help explain the transmission of violence over time and relational contexts and the factors that appear to mitigate risks and promote resilience in individuals exposed to violence. Results suggest that encounters with violence beginning in childhood elevate the risk for violence in subsequent developmental periods. The strongest connections are between child maltreatment (physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect) and violence in adolescence and between violence in adolescence and violence in early and middle adulthood. Persistence of violence into older adulthood leading to elder mistreatment is less well-documented, but probable, based on available research. We conclude that more attention should be paid to studying developmental patterns and intersecting forms of violence that extend into old age. To eradicate violence in all its forms, considerably more must be done to increase awareness of the repetition of violence; to connect research to actionable steps for prevention and intervention across the life course; and to better integrate systems that serve vulnerable children, youth, and adults. Primary prevention is essential to breaking the cycle of violence within families and to alleviating the risks to children caused by poverty and other external factors such as social disconnection within communities.

Can Emotion Dysregulation Explain the Association Between Attachment Insecurities and Teen Dating Violence Perpetration?

Attachment theory provides important insight regarding the etiology of teen dating violence perpetration (TDV-P). Attachment insecurities have been associated with TDV-P, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Furthermore, as of now, studies have failed to explore whether the relation between attachment insecurities and TDV-P varied according to its forms (i.e., psychological, physical or sexual) or to the perpetrator's gender. This study aimed to investigate if emotion dysregulation mediates the association between attachment insecurities and different forms of TDV-P among girls and boys. Adolescents (M_age = 16 years; n = 3,214; 60% girls) were recruited from a one-stage stratified cluster sample of 34 high schools in Quebec, Canada. Path analyses with probit regression models were conducted separately for girls and boys. Attachment anxiety and avoidance were associated with more emotion dysregulation. Emotion dysregulation was, in turn, associated with higher probabilities of physical TDV-P in girls and psychological TDV-P in girls and boys. Surprisingly, emotion dysregulation was not associated with sexual TDV-P. Attachment anxiety remained directly related to higher probabilities of perpetrating all forms of TDV. These findings support the hypotheses set forth by attachment theory and highlight the utility of this theory to understand and potentially prevent TDV-P. Practitioners should more specifically address adolescents' attachment anxiety, as it seems more related to TDV-P. Finally, this study underscores the necessity of considering gender and specific forms of TDV-P to understand the association between attachment insecurities, emotion dysregulation, and TDV-P.

Neighborhood Income Inequality and Adolescent Relationship Aggression: Results of a Nationally Representative, Longitudinal Study

Adolescent relationship aggression (ARA) is a prevalent public health issue with myriad adverse health outcomes. Experts suggest that a research focus on individual- and family-level risk factors for ARA has been too limited, proposing that research on the "outer layers" of the social-ecological model, including community-level risk factors, may hold promise for the development of interventions targeting ARA. This study assessed the longitudinal association between one community-level risk factor-income inequality-and ARA victimization and perpetration. The study also examined variations of this association by race/ethnicity, income, and/or sex. This study is based on 723 participants (351 male and 372 female participants) from the Survey on Teen Relationships and Intimate Violence (STRiV). We assessed data across two waves (2013 and 2016). Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between neighborhood income inequality and both ARA victimization and perpetration. We included interaction terms to assess whether these associations varied by race/ethnicity and/or income, and we stratified analyses by sex. We did not detect associations between income inequality and ARA victimization or perpetration in the overall sample. However, for female participants from families with more income, living in a neighborhood with more income inequality was associated with increased risk of ARA victimization (odds ratio [OR] = 1.163; p < .05). More affluent, compared with less affluent, adolescent girls in mixed-income neighborhoods may be at increased risk of ARA victimization.

Using photovoice to understand and amplify youth voices to prevent sexual and relationship violence

AIMS

Efforts to improve prevention of sexual and relationship violence (SRV) among adolescents call for more centering of youth voices, experiences, and skills to design prevention programs that incorporate youth engagement rather than those that are designed by adults for youth. Amplifying the voices of historically marginalized youth are especially needed. Photovoice (PV) is a participatory action method that can empower youth and generate prevention knowledge.

METHODS

The current project used PV to engage youth in late middle and early high school to discuss how they could work to prevent SRV in their community. A convenience sample of nine youth (predominately Native American) participated over seven sessions.

RESULTS

A key theme they generated is that SRV prevention needs to be viewed as relational. Participants described the complexity of prevention, including how youth need social support to thrive and prevent SRV and that asking for help can be challenging. Results also highlighted that youth can provide help and support, but it is not always welcome in addition to underscoring that youth are resilient and can be prevention leaders.

CONCLUSION

Innovations in SRV prevention, especially for older adolescents, should work to engage youth as prevention partners. Participatory research methods like photovoice can be an important part of that process.

Scope and correlates of high school youths' exposure to dating and sexual violence prevention initiatives

The researchers examined the extent to which high school youth were exposed to dating and sexual violence (DSV) prevention types (e.g., social marketing campaign) across various locations (e.g., in-school) and how exposure to DSV prevention related to perceptions of social norms and collective efficacy. Participants included 877 high school youth who completed in-school surveys across three towns in New England. Most youth (92%) were exposed to DSV prevention. In general, active exposure and active participation, more so than passive exposure, were related to greater perceptions of collective efficacy and perceptions of social norms more intolerant of DSV. Results also suggested that online exposure to DSV prevention was the most consistent correlate of greater perceptions of collective efficacy and perceptions of social norms more intolerant of DSV. These findings provide clues about the types and locations that might be most effective at preventing DSV among youth.

Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Prevention Among Youth: A Community Guide Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Intimate partner violence and sexual violence are widespread and often occur early in life. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of interventions for primary prevention of intimate partner violence and sexual violence among youth.

METHODS

Studies were identified from 2 previous systematic reviews and an updated search (January 2012-June 2016). Included studies were implemented among youth, conducted in high-income countries, and aimed to prevent or reduce the perpetration of intimate partner violence or sexual violence. In 2016-2017, Guide to Community Preventive Services (Community Guide) methods were used to assess effectiveness as determined by perpetration, victimization, or bystander action. When heterogeneity of outcomes prevented usual Community Guide methods, the team systematically applied criteria for favorability (statistically significant at p<0.05 or approaching significance at p<0.10) and consistency (75% of results in the same direction).

RESULTS

A total of 28 studies (32 arms) met inclusion and quality of execution criteria. Interventions used combinations of teaching healthy relationship skills, promoting social norms to protect against violence, or creating protective environments. Overall, 18 of 24 study arms reported favorable results on the basis of the direction of effect for decreasing perpetration; however, favorability for bystander action diminished with longer follow-up. Interventions did not demonstrate consistent results for decreasing victimization. A bridge search conducted during Fall 2020 confirmed these results.

DISCUSSION

Interventions for the primary prevention of intimate partner violence and sexual violence are effective in reducing perpetration. Increasing bystander action may require additional follow-up as effectiveness diminishes over time. Findings may inform researchers, school personnel, public health, and other decision makers about effective strategies to prevent intimate partner violence and sexual violence among youth.

Associations between having been threatened or injured with a weapon and substance use and mental health among high school students in the United States

Being threatened or injured with a weapon is a serious form of physical bullying. Little is known about the effects of being threatened or injured with a weapon on substance use and mental health among adolescents. A secondary analysis of 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data assessed the associations between having been threatened or injured with a weapon and substance use (binge drinking, marijuana, tobacco use, prescription medication misuse) and mental health (feeling sad or hopeless, considering suicide). Multiple logistic regression models with complex survey weights were used, controlling for potential confounders. Approximately 6.0% of students reported having been threatened/injured with a weapon. After adjusting for covariates, having been threatened/injured with a weapon was associated with binge drinking (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.9-3.4), marijuana (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.6-2.7), tobacco use (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 2.0-3.5), and misuse of prescription medication (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.6-3.0) compared with students who have not been threatened/injured. Having been threatened/injured with a weapon was associated with 1.6 times the odds (95% CI: 1.2-2.2) of feeling sad/hopeless and 1.7 times the odds (95% CI: 1.3-2.3) of considering suicide. Having been threatened or injured with a weapon is an important public health issue associated with negative mental health and substance use.