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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
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