A Three-Step Latent Class Analysis to Identify How Different Patterns of Teen Dating Violence and Psychosocial Factors Influence Mental Health

Gaslighting in Teen Dating Violence: Links to Anxiety and Depression

Gaslighting (manipulating perceptions and thoughts) is associated with worse health outcomes in adults, yet little is known about the association between gaslighting and other established domains of dating violence (i.e., cyber, verbal, physical, and sexual) nor the unique contribution of gaslighting to worse mental health in adolescents (ages 13-18 years).Drawing data from the Healthy Minds 2 study (high school), we examined the prevalence, correlation with other domains of dating violence, and an association between gaslighting and mental health symptoms (depression and anxiety) in 374 adolescents (36.9% male, 52.1% female, 11.0% nonbinary or another gender identity; average age = 15.68 years, 1.21 years standard deviation) who had reported dating in the prior year. Poisson multivariable regression models were used to evaluate the association between exposure to dating violence domains and anxiety and depressive symptoms.One in four adolescent daters reported gaslighting in the past year. When accounting for established domains of dating violence (physical, sexual, verbal, and cyber), age, gender, and school of attendance, gaslighting victimization was associated with greater self-reported anxiety (incident rate ratio = 1.125, p < .01) and depressive symptoms (incident rate ratio = 1.121, p < .01).Gaslighting is a prevalent behavior in adolescent dating relationships. It is significantly associated with worse adolescent mental health. Increased research and incorporation into surveillance, prevention, and intervention activities are critical to reducing the harm posed by gaslighting in adolescent romantic relationships.

Attitudes Toward Unhealthy Relationship Behaviors and Boundary-Setting: Variation Among High School Students

Teen dating violence (TDV) is common during adolescence and has lasting negative impacts on those who experience it. Yet, there is limited research exploring how well teens recognize unhealthy behaviors and communicate boundaries, both crucial aspects in preventing TDV. This study aimed to investigate how demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, age, sexual identity, and race/ethnicity) relate to adolescents' abilities to recognize unhealthy relationships and willingness to communicate boundaries. Participants (N = 873) completed online surveys during school hours on demographic characteristics (e.g., gender), recognition of unhealthy relationship behaviors, communicating boundaries, and navigating breakups. We found that girls, participants who identify as a sexual minority (e.g., lesbian), and White participants demonstrated significantly higher recognition of controlling behaviors compared to boys and their heterosexual and non-White counterparts, respectively, but there was no significant difference in identifying abusive behaviors such as shouting, yelling, and insulting a partner. Older participants (i.e., ages 16-18) were significantly more likely to recognize controlling and abusive behaviors as unhealthy compared to younger participants (i.e., 13-15). Further, we found that girls and older participants were significantly more willing to communicate boundaries in relationships than boys and their younger counterparts. Our findings align with prior research emphasizing the necessity for prevention strategies that raise awareness of controlling behaviors that can escalate to more severe forms of TDV and equip adolescents with the means to establish and communicate personal boundaries.

Malleable and Static Risk Factors Associated with Boys' Patterns of Interpersonal Violence: A Latent Class Analysis

Despite an increased risk of committing and experiencing violence among adolescent boys, little is known about either how different types of violence co-occur within individuals or their association with different risk factors. This study used a person-centered approach to (1) identify patterns in boys' perpetration and victimization across a range of 7 types of interpersonal violence (bullying, electronic aggression, sexual harassment/aggression; and psychological/ physical/sexual dating violence); and (2) examine the association of these patterns with 12 risk factors at the individual, relational, and community level to inform future prevention efforts. We used latent class analysis to identify patterns of violence among a diverse sample of 239 adolescent boys from 12 schools in 4 regions of the United States. Four classes were identified: The LOW-ALL group (36.4% of the sample) described boys unlikely to commit or experience any forms of violence. The PERP-MULTI group (20.9%) included boys with a high probability of committing bullying and sexual harassment and a relatively lower probability of experiencing sexual harassment. The EQUAL-PEER-SH group (33.5%) described boys with a high probability of both committing and experiencing sexual harassment, bullying, and electronic aggression. The smallest group of boys, labeled HIGH-ALL (9.2%), were at a high probability of committing and experiencing nearly all types of violence examined. We used weighted multiple-group analysis to compare risk factors across the latent groups identified. Attitudes supporting violence, internalized traditional masculinity, delinquency, school withdrawal, and both family and community violence exposure were significantly higher in groups with a high likelihood to commit various types of violence. These findings provide practical guidance for enhancing universal and selected violence prevention efforts for adolescent boys.

Dating Violence and the Quality of Relationships through Adolescence: A Longitudinal Latent Class Study

Dating violence can manifest itself in different ways, with important consequences for both members of the couple. Due to the normalization of certain behaviour and the perceived quality of the relationship, it may be difficult to identify this violent dynamic in its early stages, allowing it to escalate and lead to severe levels of violent behaviour. This study aims to analyse violent profiles using latent class analysis (LCA) and explore the role of relationship quality variables as risk factors for those profiles. A two-stage longitudinal design was used with a sample of 2849 Spanish adolescents between 12 and 18 years old. The LCA produced five different groups: those not involved in violence; those involved in mild forms of violence (with two sub-groups: those involved in psychological-sexual violence and in psychological-physical violence); and those involved in the most severe forms of violence, with a co-occurrence of psychological-physical-sexual violence (with two sub-groups, according to the higher of lower frequency of involvement). Despite the differences between boys and girls, negative-quality variables played a more important role in dating violence. Discussion of the results focuses on both the complex nature of the violence and the multi-probabilistic view of its development.

Outcomes Associated with Adolescent Dating and Sexual Violence Victimization: A Systematic Review of School-Based Literature

Dating and sexual violence (DSV) is a common occurrence among school aged youth and has been associated with numerous harmful long-term outcomes. The goal of this article is to better understand the range of outcomes associated with DSV during youth and adolescence. This systematic review consists of 28 school-based studies from 20 journals discussing outcomes of youth experiences of DSV. Results demonstrate significant associations between DSV victimization and mental health symptoms, substance use, sexual health, academic, and social outcomes. To better understand this issue, this article recommends that schools offer additional training for staff on recognizing DSV. Additionally, improved research is needed in this area including surveys that are inclusive of diverse student identities and include more comprehensive measures of DSV, and additional research on DSV explicitly focused on minoritized groups.

Dating violence prevalence and factors associated among undergraduate public health students of Kathmandu metropolitan city, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research was to assess the prevalence of dating violence (DV) and factors associated among undergraduate public health students of Kathmandu metropolitan city (KMC), Nepal.

DESIGN

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving undergraduate public health students in Kathmandu. We recruited the students using probability proportionate sampling techniques. Data collection was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. The duration of study was from May 2022 to March 2023.

SETTING

We conducted a quantitative study among undergraduate students of 11 colleges out of 14 public health colleges located within Kathmandu.

PARTICIPANTS

352 public health students including both men and women were involved in the study. College-going students who were willing to give consent were included in the study.

OUTCOME MEASURE

A significant prevalence of DV was seen among undergraduate public health students of KMC. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression techniques were applied to assess the relationship of factors associated with DV and reported adjusted ORs (aOR) with 95% CIs. All statistical analyses were executed using the SPSS V.24.

RESULTS

Among 352 respondents, 182 were having current or past dating relationships. The study shows that the majority (78.02%) of respondents had experienced DV during the time of study or any time in the past. DV was more likely among male participants (aOR 3.95, 95% CI 1.14 to 13.58) and whose partners consumed alcohol (aOR 4.58, 95% CI 1.70 to 12.34). Participants who had ever been exposed to violence done by family members were more likely to experience DV (aOR 5.97, 95% CI 1.39 to 25.49).

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights a significant prevalence of DV among undergraduate public health students in Kathmandu, underscoring the urgency for implementing programmes aimed at addressing this issue.

Longitudinal Effects of Electronic Dating Violence on Depressive Symptoms and Delinquent Behaviors Across Adolescence

Depressive symptoms and delinquent behaviors that emerge during adolescence pose both short- and long-term negative outcomes. Though there is growing evidence that exposure to teen dating violence is also associated with a greater likelihood of depressive symptoms and delinquent behaviors such as engaging in peer violence and substance use, less is known about the effects of specific forms of electronic dating violence (i.e., electronic harassment, electronic coercion, and electronic monitoring) across adolescence on depressive symptoms and delinquent behaviors. Data were drawn from a 4-year prospective longitudinal study of two cohorts of youth followed from age 12 to 15 (n = 526, 52% female) and age 15 to 18 (n = 592, 53% female). Two mixed-effects models (stratified by cohort) were employed to evaluate depressive symptoms and delinquent behavior outcomes by exposure to electronic harassment, electronic coercion, and electronic monitoring, while accounting for verbal dating violence, physical dating violence, sexual dating violence, exposure to threat-based adverse childhood experiences, exposure to deprivation-based adverse childhood experiences, and gender across all four waves of data collection. Higher exposure to electronic sexual coercion was predictive of increased depression (β = .015, p = .018). Increased exposure to electronic sexual coercion (β = .007, p = .004) and electronic monitoring (β = .008, p = .045) were both predictive of more delinquency across adolescence. By delineating the effects of in-person verbal, physical, and sexual dating violence with unique electronic domains, we found unique additional risk from domains of electronic dating violence, which was particularly pronounced for youth who reported electronic sexual coercion. Electronic sexual coercion heightens the risk of depressive symptoms and delinquent behaviors in males and females beyond the risk presented by in-person forms of dating violence and should be accounted for in prevention and intervention programs. Future research should explore the effect of perceived normativity on the prevalence of electronic harassment and subsequent influence on outcomes.

A latent class analysis of adolescent dating violence: Associations with daily conflict management

BACKGROUND

Adolescent dating violence (ADV) is a major public health concern experienced by more than half of adolescents. Previous studies have found considerable diversity in patterns of ADV and suggest that its various forms often occur concurrently and reciprocally within adolescent dating relationships. While multiple robust distal correlates of ADV have already been established, research on situational factors, such as conflict-related variables, is still sparse.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify patterns of ADV based on the co-occurrence of different types of ADV victimization and perpetration. Multiple correlates of these ADV patterns were examined, including daily conflict-related factors (e.g., occurrence, resolution).

METHODS

A sample of 216 adolescents (M = 17.03 years; SD = 1.49) who were currently involved in a dating relationship completed a baseline assessment followed by 14 consecutive daily diaries.

RESULTS

Latent class analysis revealed five classes, including Low violence (21.8 %), Emotional violence (50.9 %), Emotional and sexual violence (13 %), Psychological violence and control (7.9 %), and Multiple violence (6.5 %). Demographic, relationship, distal, and daily conflict-related indicators differentiated the classes. Findings indicated that youth in the Psychological violence and control and Multiple violence classes were involved in longer-lasting relationships and displayed higher externalized problems and emotion dysregulation, more frequent experiences of childhood traumas, and, notably, more difficulties in managing daily conflicts.

CONCLUSION

Adolescence is a crucial time to reduce the onset, persistence, and adverse consequences of ADV. By identifying situational conflict-related factors associated with ADV victimization and perpetration, this study can inform important prevention efforts.

The Relationship of School Connectedness to Adolescents' Engagement in Co-Occurring Health Risks: A Meta-Analytic Review

School connectedness is an important factor in the lives of youth and are a leverage point for optimizing youth's social, emotional, and physical health. This study presents a meta-analysis examining the relationship between school connectedness and four health domains that are prevalent in adolescence, have implications for adult health, and often co-occur: mental health, sexual health, violence, and high-risk substance use. Ninety articles published between 2009 and 2019 were included in the analysis. The study found that school connectedness had a protective average effect size across all health domains (Hedges' g = -0.345, p-value<0.001). When examined separately, school connectedness had a significant protective relationship with substance use (g = -0.379, p < 0.001), mental health (Hedges' g = -0.358, p < 0.001), violence (Hedges' g = -0.318, p < 0.001), sexual health (Hedges' g = -0.145, p < 0.001), and with co-occurring risks (Hedges' g = -0.331, p < 0.001). These results provide strong evidence that school connectedness has the potential to prevent and mitigate multiple health risks during adolescence.

Concurrent Intimate Partner Violence: Survivors' Health and Help-Seeking

This study examined intimate partner violence patterns using the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, a nationally representative sample collected in 2010. The latent class analysis detected six distinctive patterns: Sexual Violence, Psychological Aggression, Multiple Violence, Coercive Control, Physical and Psychological Violence, and Stalking. Multiple Violence was the most common among males, while Coercive Control was the most common among females. Multiple Violence and Physical and Psychological Violence perpetrators inflicted more negative health consequences than the other types. Intervention and prevention approaches that consider perpetrator types as a part of survivor need assessments will improve services.

Mental health outcomes of physical, sexual, and psychological intimate partner violence among women in Turkey: A latent class study

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a severe human right violation and a significant public health problem in Turkey. However, its complexity and stratified relationship with mental health problems are still uncovered in this under researched community, as violence is often approached as a uniform health and social problem. In this study, we collected data from 539 female adults in heterosexual relationships in Turkey using convenience and snowball sampling. The aim was to examine violence-related clusters and their association of these clusters with mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and depression). We assessed whether participants experienced physical, sexual, and psychological violence in their intimate relationships and conducted a latent class analysis. We obtained five violence clusters: (1) no or low violence, (2) high psychological violence, (3) jealous control with physical violence, (4) moderate sexual and psychological violence, and (5) severe physical, sexual, and psychological violence. Analyses of variance showed that women who experienced multiple forms of IPV reported stronger depression, anxiety, and somatization compared with women in the no or low violence class. Additionally, they reported greater depression and anxiety compared with women who experienced only high psychological IPV. However, psychological violence amplified somatization as much as physical and sexual violence.

Verbal, physical and sexual dating violence among a population-based sample of teens: Does exposure to intimate partner violence in the home account for the association between dating violence and mental health?

BACKGROUND

Teen dating violence (TDV) and exposure to intimate partner violence (eIPV) are associated with poorer mental health; however, few studies investigate verbal TDV or the independent contributions that TDV and eIPV have on mental health.

OBJECTIVE

Examine the prevalence of TDV (verbal, physical, sexual, multiple forms) among youth, associations between TDV and mental health, and how eIPV affects these associations.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

A school-based sample of 71,635 9th and 11th grade students (51.5% assigned female, 71.9% White) completed the anonymous 2019 Minnesota Student Survey, providing data on mental/emotional/behavioral (MEB) problems and treatment, depression and anxiety symptoms, non-suicidal self-injury, suicidal ideation/attempts, TDV, and eIPV.

METHODS

Chi-square tests were used to compare the prevalence of mental health concerns by TDV form; logistic regression models controlled for demographic characteristics and eIPV. Interaction tests identified the multiplicative effects of eIPV and TDV on mental health.

RESULTS

TDV was reported by 36.4% of those with vs 13.6% of those without eIPV. Each type of TDV was significantly associated with adverse mental health (p's<0.001), even after adjusting for demographic variables and eIPV. The prevalence of each mental health outcome was significantly increased by eIPV for youth with no TDV (p's<0.001), verbal only (p's<0.001), sexual only (p's<0.05), and multiple forms of TDV (p's<0.001); findings for physical TDV varied.

CONCLUSIONS

Education on healthy, consensual dating relationships is critical, alongside regular screening for eIPV and TDV, referring affected youth for treatment. Further research on factors that attenuate the association between TDV and mental health is warranted.

Mental Health and Violence in Children and Adolescents

This article examines the complex interplay between mental health and violence among children. Although children with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators, this article describes the few mental health conditions associated with increased violent behavior among children. Next, the authors examine the spectrum of mental health sequelae among children following exposure to various forms of violence. Lastly, the authors discuss the underutilization of mental health services in this population and highlight screening and intervention tools available to pediatric clinicians caring for children exposed to violence.

Intimate Partner Violence Polyvictimization and Health Outcomes

This study examines how gender interacts with polyvictimization patterns in survivors' health problems using 8,587 survivors of intimate partner violence from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, a nationally representative sample collected in 2010. Polyvictimization included six categories that were created in our previous work: sexual violence, physical and psychological violence, coercive control, multiple violence, stalking, and psychological aggression. Multiple violence was associated with chronic pain, headache, difficulty sleeping, and poor health perception. Females experiencing coercive control were more likely to have chronic pain than males. The appropriate assessment of gendered patterns of polyvictimization, and relevant subsequent services and support will better address health problems among survivors.

Adolescents' internalizing symptoms predict dating violence victimization and perpetration 2 years later

The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine bidirectional associations of adolescents' internalizing symptoms with dating violence victimization and perpetration. We conducted secondary analyses of the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development data (n = 974). Each adolescent completed items from the Conflict Tactics Scale (at ages 15 and 17 years) to assess psychological, physical, and sexual dating violence victimization and perpetration in the past 12 months. Adolescents' symptoms of depression and general anxiety in the past 12 months were self-reported (at ages 15 and 17 years) using The Mental Health and Social Inadaptation Assessment for Adolescents. There were concurrent associations of adolescents' internalizing symptoms with dating violence victimization and perpetration. Internalizing symptoms at age 15 years were positively associated with dating violence victimization and perpetration 2 years later in both males and females, even after adjusting for baseline characteristics. However, neither dating violence victimization nor perpetration at age 15 years was associated with internalizing symptoms 2 years later. For males and females, internalizing symptoms put adolescents at risk for future dating violence victimization and perpetration. Interventions that target internalizing symptoms may have the potential to decrease subsequent dating violence.

But He Loves Me: Teens' Comments about Healthy and Unhealthy Romantic Relationships

Romantic relationships can positively affect adolescent development. However, adolescents may not always have a clear understanding of what healthy dating looks like, which may place some adolescents at risk for dating violence. The present study examined the following research questions: (1) What are adolescents' perceptions of healthy and unhealthy attributes of romantic relationships? (2) How do adolescents perceive jealousy and potentially controlling behaviors? (3) What is the relationship between adolescents' attitudes towards jealousy and controlling behaviors and their willingness to intervene in a peer's unhealthy romantic relationship? The study included a predominantly female, ethnically diverse sample of 72 adolescents (M = 17.5 years) who participated in an internet-based health promotion intervention that allowed peers and health educators to interact. Adolescents commented on message boards and completed a survey. Findings showed that adolescents can articulate both healthy and unhealthy romantic relationship attributes. Some adolescents struggled to understand relationship attributes including jealousy and possessiveness, as these behaviors can be perceived as expressions of strong romantic interest. Adolescents may benefit from programs that strengthen healthy dating behaviors, teach youth to distinguish healthy from unhealthy behaviors, address conflict in respectful ways, and tactfully intervene when they witness abusive behaviors in the relationships of others.

[Patterns of dating violence victimization and alcohol consumption among adolescent students from southern Jalisco, Mexico]

Studies suggest the existence of patterns of dating violence during adolescence. In the adolescent Mexican population, little is known about the patterns of face-to-face and cyber dating abuse and to what extent they can be explained by alcohol consumption. The aim of this research was to identify patterns of dating abuse victimization and to determine whether alcohol use predicts the patterns found. It was a cross-sectional study with an explanatory scope. A total of 398 adolescent students (62.8% women) from 15 to 18 years of age (M = 16.1 years; SD = 1) participated in the study. Latent class analysis was used, and three classes were found: 1) low generalized violence (45%); 2) moderate psychological violence and high digital control (38%); and 3) high generalized violence (17%). Alcohol consumption was found to be associated with the membership in the moderate psychological violence and high digital control (β = 0.48, p = .022) and were included in the high generalized violence class (β = 0.66, p = .004). It is important to consider, in the generation of interventions, the existence of patterns of violence in dating relationships among adolescents and the influence that alcohol consumption has on them.

The Effectiveness of College Dating Violence Prevention Programs: A Meta-Analysis

Due in part to their involvement with social activities on campus, college students experience an increased risk of dating violence. Recent legislation such as the Campus SaVE Act (which requires U.S. colleges to offer training on sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual harassment to all incoming students) has contributed to the increase in prevention programming offered across postsecondary campuses, as well as subsequent research examining the effectiveness of these prevention efforts. The current study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of college dating violence prevention programs. A systematic search of 28 databases and numerous gray literature sources identified an initial 14,540 articles of which 315 were deemed potentially eligible for inclusion. Studies were selected if they (1) evaluated a college dating prevention program/campaign, (2) reported one of five outcomes (knowledge, attitudes, or bystander efficacy, intentions, or behavior), (3) had a minimum sample size of 20 in the treatment group, (4) used a pre/post and/or comparison group design, and (5) were published in English or French between January 2000 and October 2020. We calculated 53 effect sizes from 31 studies and conducted separate meta-analyses on various categories of outcome measures. Findings suggest that college dating violence prevention programs are effective at increasing knowledge and attitudes toward dating violence, as well as bystander skills, but are not effective at increasing bystander behaviors. Findings from moderator analyses suggest that several program components influence the strength of treatment effects. Implications for improving the effectiveness of college dating violence prevention programs are discussed.

Patrones de violencia en las relaciones de pareja en adolescentes: una revisión sistemática de la literatura

Un grupo creciente de investigaciones ha sugerido la existencia de diferentes patrones de violencia en las relaciones de pareja durante la adolescencia. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar y sintetizar la evidencia científica respecto a patrones de violencia en las relaciones de pareja en adolescentes, a través de una revisión sistemática de la literatura. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo, ebsco, Web of Science, Sage Journals, Taylor andFrancis Journals, Wiley, y el motor de búsqueda Google Académico; no hubo restricciones en el año de publicación. Se incluyeron investigaciones que analizaron la violencia desde una perspectiva centrada en la persona (e.g., uso de análisis de clases latentes). Para evaluar la calidad de los estudios transversales se usó la herramienta Axis de 20 ítems, y para los estudios longitudinales, la lista de verificación de Tooth et al. (2005) de 33 ítems. Se identificaron 212 estudios y después de elegir por criterios de elegibilidad, se incluyeron 27. Los patrones de violencia con mayor frecuencia fueron: violencia multiforme (34 %), victimización o perpetración por violencia psicológica y física (26%), violencia bidireccional psicológica/verbal (26 %), baja violencia (26 %) y alta violencia (23 %). Los patrones de violencia se relacionaron con diferentes variables tales como experiencias adversas en la infancia, variables sociodemográficas, relación familiar e indicadores de salud mental. Estos patrones evidencian que la violencia en las relaciones de pareja durante la adolescenciason un fenómeno complejo y multifactorial.

At the Intersections: Examining Trends in Experiences of Violence, Mental Health Status, and Suicidal Risk Behaviors Among US High School Students Using Intersectionality, National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2015-2019

PURPOSE

Surveillance data are used for public health action, but the practice of analyzing data by single demographic characteristics may produce findings that reflect abstract categories rather than a person's lived experience. Intersectionality is a theoretical framework that advocates for individuals to be recognized as the whole of their identity and within context of power structures. Using the national Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2015-2019, we examined 5-year trends in experiencing violence, poor mental health, and suicidal risk behavior among US high school students using intersections of race/ethnicity and sex.

METHODS

We used SUDAAN to calculate prevalence estimates and logistic regression models to assess for linear trends while accounting for the weighting and complex survey design.

RESULTS

Among all students in aggregate, experiencing dating violence decreased while being threatened with a weapon at school and feeling persistently sad or hopeless increased over time; however, these trends did not apply to most students when stratified by identity. The one near-universal experience was that students in aggregate and almost all identities had an increased trend of skipping school because they felt unsafe there.

DISCUSSION

By focusing on identities defined by two main drivers of health disparities-race/ethnicity and sex-we found that changes in risk behaviors did not occur equally among students and that prevalence estimates were highest among Black males, Black females, and Hispanic females. We outlined the power structures that frame the current educational environment. Patterns of health disparities can be highlighted by analyzing surveillance data through an intersectional lens.

Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and association with dating violence and symptoms of mental illness among adolescents in the Dominican Republic

BACKGROUND

Adolescent dating violence (ADV) and mental illness are highly prevalent, interrelated public health priorities. Increasingly, scholars are looking to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to explain risk for these health concerns.

OBJECTIVES

Determine prevalence of ACEs, ADV perpetration and victimization, and anxiety and depression symptoms among adolescents in the Dominican Republic (DR). Evaluate the association of ACEs with these ADV and mental health outcomes.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 142 adolescents at middle and high schools in the DR.

METHODS

We assessed ACEs using the Childhood Experiences Survey, ADV using the Conflict in Dating Relationships Inventory, and depression/anxiety symptoms using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scales. Linear and logistic regressions were performed to test dose-response relationships between a cumulative ACE score and ADV and mental health outcomes while adjusting for age, gender, and rural/urban residence.

RESULTS

80.6% of students reported at least one ACE. The most prevalent ACEs reported were physical abuse (49%) and witnessing domestic violence (48%). After adjusting for covariates, cumulative ACE scores were significantly associated with depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, physical and emotional ADV perpetration, and physical and emotional ADV victimization.

CONCLUSIONS

Structural and community-based interventions to prevent ADV and promote mental health for adolescents in the DR should address ACEs.

Structural validity of the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (CADRI): A reduced version for use on respondents as victims and perpetrators

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate CADRI's configural and metric structures and explore its performance from the perspective of the respondents as perpetrators and victims. In the process, we present shorter versions for both roles.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 561 adolescents aged 15 and 19, enrolled in public and private schools in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Initially, confirmatory factor analyzes (CFA) tested the originally proposed dimensional structure. Since this model was rejected, the second step analyzed the data via Exploratory Structural Equation Models (ESEM) to reassess the instrument's structure. Applying a decision algorithm on a new dimensional structure, we proceeded to reduce the number of items to establish separate sets for victimization and perpetration. These final models were then analyzed via CFA to assess their psychometric properties.

RESULTS

The final solutions contained 15 items comprising four and three factors for victimization and perpetration, respectively. Thirteen items were common to both models, but two were unique to their respective sets. Regardless of their small differences, the final solutions fitted adequately, held factorial item pertinence and unambiguity, contained reliable and non-redundant items, and sustained factor-based convergent and discriminant validities.

CONCLUSION

The four and three-factor models were within the dimensional bounds proposed in the original CADRI, the shorter scales still succeeding in partially capturing what was envisaged in the first version of the instrument. However, the shorter versions suggested here are still tentative, thus requiring further examination.

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.

The Link Between Adversity and Dating Violence Among Adolescents Hospitalized for Psychiatric Treatment: Parental Emotion Validation as a Candidate Protective Factor

Adolescents are at risk for becoming victims or perpetrators for a variety of forms of dating violence, including cyber violence, physical violence, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse. Interestingly, a robust predictor of dating violence is adverse experiences during childhood; however, factors that could mitigate the risk of dating violence for those exposed to adversity have seldom been examined. Using the cumulative stress hypothesis as a lens, the current study examined severity of adverse experiences as a predictor of dating violence within a sample at risk for both victimization and perpetration of dating violence: An adolescent (12-17 years old; N = 137) sample who were receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment. First, the current study aimed to replicate previous findings to determine whether adversity predicted dating violence and whether this varied by gender. Then, the current study examined one factor that could mitigate the relation between adversity and dating violence-parental emotion validation. High rates of maternal emotion validation resulted in no relation between adversity and dating violence perpetration and victimization; however, the relation was present at average and low levels of maternal emotion validation. Next, by adding gender as an additional moderator to the model, we found that high rates of paternal emotion validation extinguished the relation between adversity and dating violence perpetration, but only for adolescent boys. This pattern was not found for maternal emotion validation. Interestingly, the relation between adversity and dating violence victimization did not vary as a function of maternal or paternal validation of emotion for either child gender. These findings are discussed in terms of their meaning within this sample, possible future directions, and their implications for the prevention of dating violence.

Who to Tell? A Latent Class Analysis of Adolescents' Intentions to Disclose Dating Violence

Adolescents' willingness to disclose violence in romantic relationships has important implications for their safety and overall well-being. However, research is limited on adolescent intentions to seek help for dating violence. Using self-report data from 493 rural youth (54% male, 49.7% African American), this study examined heterogeneity of adolescent help-seeking in relation to different forms of violence and sources of potential disclosure. Latent class analyses identified four distinct groups of adolescents: (a) Multi-help-seekers (20.5%) who are likely to seek help for any form of dating violence from multiple sources, (b) Reluctant help-seekers (21.1%) who are unlikely to seek help for any form of violence from any source, (c) Informal help-seekers (28.8%) who are willing to disclose dating violence primarily to caregivers and friends, and (d) Selective help-seekers (29.5%) with varied intentions to disclose some forms of violence to select people. Results further revealed that class membership was differentially related to gender and caregiver's level of education. Additionally, findings confirmed expectations that variation in adolescent well-being and safety measures was a function of membership in help-seeking classes. The article discusses these findings in the context of targeted programs and services to promote help-seeking among rural youth.

Longitudinal Patterns in Adolescent Intentions to Seek Help for Dating Violence: A Latent Transition Analysis

As a persistent public health problem affecting thousands of adolescents every year, teen dating violence has been studied extensively. However, gaps remain in the knowledge on what adolescents think about seeking help for violence in a dating relationship and how these attitudes might change over time. This study adopts a longitudinal person-oriented approach to explore configurations of help-seeking preferences in a sample of rural adolescents (N at wave 1 = 580, M_age = 13 years, SD = 1.48; 52.7% female; 46.6% African American, 39.4% White, 14% Hispanic and other minorities), surveyed annually for four years, with each assessment approximately 12 months apart. Latent class analyses uncovered variation in adolescents' willingness to disclose dating violence, captured by six groups: (a) Multi-help-seekers (19%), (b) Reluctant help-seekers (15%), (c) Selective help-seekers (16%), (d) Parent confidants (11%), (e) Friends confidants (22%), and (f) Moderate help-seekers (17%). Follow-up analyses revealed that select sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, and family income) were unevenly distributed among the identified groups, pointing to the need to account for individual and contextual influences in understanding heterogeneity in help-seeking attitudes. Latent transition models further showed that although individual membership in latent classes was generally stable between middle and high school, transitions between help-seeking classes were common as well. The article concludes by discussing these findings in the context of further research and programming to promote help-seeking among developing adolescents, including targeted strategies to address the needs of adolescents who think differently about disclosing dating abuse.

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.

Adolescent Risk of Dating Violence and Electronic Dating Abuse: A Latent Class Analysis

Electronic forms of dating violence among youth are common yet little is known about how these forms of violence overlap with the commonly studied domains of physical, sexual and verbal teen dating violence. Using factor analysis and latent class analysis, this study identifies patterns of electronic, verbal, physical and sexual dating violence victimization and perpetration in 9th and 12th graders. Data are from 470 9th (n = 190; 60.5% female; mean age = 12.0 years, age range: 11.3-13.8) and 12th graders (n = 280; 63.9% female; mean age = 14.9 years, age range: 14.0-16.6) from southeastern Michigan. A 5-class solution for 9th graders and a 6-class solution for 12th graders were selected given fit and interpretability. Classes were characterized by domain(s) of violence, as opposed to perpetration or victimization. Three domains of electronic dating aggression were identified: monitoring, harassment, and coercion. Electronic dating aggression was present in the majority of classes, and overlapped substantially with other domains of violence. The highest risk class had risk of victimization and perpetration for all types of dating violence (electronic monitoring, electronic harassment, electronic coercion, verbal violence, physical violence and sexual violence). Drug use and experiencing one or more adverse childhood experiences predicted membership in a higher risk group for the older cohort, while alcohol consumption predicted higher risk for the younger cohort. The findings from this study show overlap between dating violence domains and imply that domains of electronic dating violence are important to consider in conjunction with physical, sexual and verbal domains, to address teen dating violence.

Criminal Behavior and Psychosocial Risk Factors in Brazilian Adolescent Offenders: An Exploratory Latent Class Analysis

Considering that adolescent offenders are quite a heterogeneous group in terms of behavioral and psychosocial variables, it is considered that a typological approach can assist in the systematization of these differences, aiming at a better understanding of the phenomenon and at clearer guidance in terms of interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the behavioral and psychosocial profiles of male adolescent offenders, based on empirical data collected in a Brazilian sociocultural context. The profiles were made with a sample of 400 adolescent offenders to perform an exploratory latent classes analysis. The instruments used in data collection were the Youth Behavior Questionnaire (Questionário de Comportamentos Juvenis, QCJ) and the Brazilian Jesness Inventory—Revised (Inventário Jesness-Revisado-Brasileiro, IJ-R-Br). The most appropriate model was that of four classes, with the profiles found indicating differences between the adolescent offenders both in relation to psychological functioning and criminal pattern, as well as the psychosocial risk/protective factors associated with each of the profiles. These findings, in addition to contributing to understanding the phenomenon, may help to reflect on the assessments required to assist in judicial decision-making processes and the customized proposal of psychosocial interventions.

History of Physical Teen Dating Violence and Its Association With Suicidal Behaviors Among Adolescent High School Students: Results From the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Although studies have investigated and found physical teen dating violence (TDV) has a significant negative impact on mental health outcomes, few studies are yet to investigate the effect of physical TDV on suicidal behaviors among adolescents. The objectives of this study are to examine the prevalence of physical TDV, suicidal ideation, suicide plan, and suicide attempt among adolescents aged 14 to 18 years and the association between physical TDV and these suicidal behaviors. Data for this study were obtained from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. A sample of 9,693 adolescents aged 14 to 18 years (50.4% males) was analyzed using logistic regression with suicidal ideation, suicide plan, and suicide attempt as outcome variables and physical TDV as the main explanatory variable. About 17% of the adolescent students experienced suicidal ideation, 13.7% made a suicide plan, and 7.6% attempted suicide during the past 12 months. Among those who were dating, 9.9% experienced physical TDV. In the multivariate logistic regression, adolescent students who experienced physical TDV were 1.92 times more likely to have experienced suicidal ideation, 1.67 times more likely to have made a suicide plan, and 2.42 times more likely to have attempted suicide during the past 12 months when compared with their counterparts who were dating but experienced no physical TDV. Other significant predictors of suicidal behaviors include being a sexual minority, experiencing forced sex, bullying, feeling sad or hopeless, and binge drinking. Having sufficient sleep lowered the odds of suicidal ideation and suicide plan. The topic of physical TDV and its association with suicidal behaviors among adolescents is such an important issue for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the United States and around the world. Prevention and intervention efforts should be culturally tailored to reflect the unique experiences with physical TDV and suicide among minority populations such as sexual minority adolescents.

Early maladaptive schemas as mediators between child maltreatment and dating violence in adolescence

This study investigated the association between exposure to child maltreatment and dating physical violence in the affective-sexual relationship among adolescents (n =397, 14-19 years). A mediation model was conducted to determine whether these associations can be mediated by early maladaptive schemas (EMS), from the Schema Therapy's theoretical approach. Also, it sought to verify the invariant model by gender. The results showed that teen dating violence perpetrators with a history of child maltreatment had significantly higher scores in the perpetration of intimate violence than adolescents with no history of maltreatment. Disconnection and rejection realm schemas were mediators between exposure to child maltreatment and dating physical violence in adolescence, and this model was adequate to females. The clinical implications of these findings were also discussed.

Does Gottman's Marital Communication Conceptualization Inform Teen Dating Violence? Communication Skill Deficits Analyzed Across Three Samples of Diverse Adolescents

Communication skill deficits are thought to contribute to teen dating violence (TDV), parallel to the inclusion of these throughout prevention curricula. Communication research among adolescents is highly underdeveloped, although a preliminary study utilizing Gottman's marital communication conceptualization found that a majority of negative communication behaviors predictive of marital distress were also associated with relationship aggression among primarily White college students. Our aim was to replicate this study with diverse samples of adolescents (50.3% Latino, 23.5% Black; Mage = 16.06). Urban high school youth, pregnant and parenting youth in residential foster care, and youth in urban after-school programs self-reported on their use of maladaptive and adaptive communication behaviors, relationship quality (i.e., satisfaction, commitment), and emotional, physical, sexual, relational, and threatening dating violence. Across samples, maladaptive communication and particularly flooding (i.e., the tendency to become overwhelmed, leave the argument) and the four horsemen (i.e., a cascading and negative communication sequence) were associated with higher likelihood of multiple types of TDV. Relationship quality was associated with decreased likelihood for TDV among high school and after-school youth samples, but with increased likelihood among youth in foster care. Results indicate that youth utilize a wide range of both adaptive and maladaptive communication behaviors, and that similar maladaptive patterns predictive of relationship distress in young adulthood and in marriage are also associated with distress in adolescents' dating relationships. Equipping youth with adaptive communication skills as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing TDV and enhancing healthy relationships is meaningful for diverse adolescents. Further research is warranted concerning youth's perceptions of relationship quality and risk of TDV.

Profiles and Predictors of Dating Violence Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents

PURPOSE

Sexual and gender minority adolescents report higher levels of dating violence compared with their heterosexual and cisgender peers. The objectives of the present study were to (1) identify latent profiles of dating violence; (2) examine if sexual and gender minority adolescents were particularly vulnerable to certain profiles of dating violence; and (3) explore how experiences of peer victimization, discrimination, and parental maltreatment explained this greater vulnerability.

METHODS

High school students in Grades 9 and 11 from the 2016 Minnesota Student Survey (N = 87,532; mean age = 15.29 years, SD = 1.23) were asked about their sexual and gender identities, their gender nonconformity, their experiences of verbal, physical, and sexual dating violence victimization and perpetration, as well their experiences of childhood maltreatment, peer victimization, and gender-based and sexual minority status-based discrimination.

RESULTS

Multinomial logistic regression analysis in a three-step latent class analysis procedure suggested five profiles of dating violence victimization and perpetration across the entire sample. Sexual and gender minority adolescents were generally more likely to be in classes high in dating violence victimization, perpetration, or both, compared with their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Gender nonconformity was also associated with greater risk for being in high dating violence classes. These differences, however, were generally nonsignificant when the social stressors of childhood maltreatment, peer victimization, and experiences of discrimination were accounted for.

CONCLUSIONS

Although findings suggested greater vulnerability for dating violence among sexual and gender minority adolescents, they underscore the importance of how minority stressors generally accounted for this greater vulnerability for dating violence.

Factores psicosociales en estudiantes universitarios de Loreto, Ancash, Moquegua y Puno durante el confinamiento por el Covid-19, Perú

The study was carried out with the objective of comparing and analyzing psychosocial factors such as stress, depression and anxiety in undergraduate university students from Loreto, Ancash, Moquegua and Puno during confinement by Covid-19, Peru. The study was based on a non-experimental, quantitative-descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational design with non-probability and intentional sampling, an online survey was applied to a sample of 665 undergraduate students using validated instruments such as the List of Indicators of Vulnerability to stress, the Zung Depression Scale, and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. The study reports vulnerability to stress in 50.8%, 46.3%, 36.4% and 37.5% in Loreto, Ancash, Moquegua and Puno. The prevalence of depression was 100.0%, 97.6%, 96.9% and 95.2% between mild, moderate and severe; likewise, 100.0% presented anxiety symptoms. It was concluded that a situation of obligatory social confinement is directly related to the presence of stress, depression and anxiety, particularly in undergraduate university students, affecting a greater proportion of women; of these between 19 and 22 years, and with a higher incidence in regions with a greater number of confirmed cases; where insomnia, worry and irritability are the most significant symptoms.

Does Relationship Conflict Predicts Psychological Distress or Vice Versa? A Cross-Lagged Panel Model

The present study examines the directionality of links between romantic relationship conflict and psychological distress in premarital relationships of emerging adults. A total of 182 participants (Mage = 21.23; SDage = 1.62; 85.16% female) provided data at both Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2). Participants responded to a battery of questions related to romantic relationship conflict and psychological distress. The data for the present study were collected at two time points during spring semester of 2018: First week (Time 1) and the last week of the semester, Week 14 (Time 2). A two-wave two variable cross-lagged autoregressive panel model was conducted to examine the links between relationship conflict and psychological distress over time in emerging adults. Using a latent cross-lagged panel model, we found that romantic relationship conflict at T1 significantly predicted psychological distress at T2, but psychological distress at T1 was not associated with subsequent romantic relationship conflict at T2, after controlling for autoregressive effects. The results highlighted the key role of romantic relationship conflict in predicting later psychological distress. Limitations and implications are discussed and future directions are suggested.

Patterns of dating violence moderate the effect of child maltreatment on suicide risk among disadvantaged minority female adolescents with depressive symptoms

PURPOSE

Childhood maltreatment is associated with increased suicide risk. However, not all maltreated children report self-injurious thoughts and behaviors, highlighting the presence of other risk factors. Notably, adolescent dating violence (ADV) and child maltreatment are highly comorbid, with ADV also linked to suicide risk among adolescents. Current research further suggests that distinct patterns of ADV involvement are differentially related to adolescent mental health. To date, it is unknown whether differences in ADV patterns moderate changes in suicide risk for adolescents with and without a maltreatment history. This study aims to advance the literature by identifying patterns of ADV in a unique sample of adolescents and by determining the differential association between maltreatment and suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-harming behaviors based on ADV profiles.

METHODS

Participants were racially and ethnically diverse low-income non-treatment-seeking adolescent females with elevated depressive symptoms, ages 13-16 (N=198).

RESULTS

Using latent class analysis, we found support for a 3-class model of dating violence: adolescent females without ADV involvement, those in relationships with mutual verbal abuse, and those in romantic relationships with multiple and more severe forms of ADV, such as verbal abuse and physical violence. A series of latent class moderation models indicated that the effect of child maltreatment on suicidal ideation significantly differed based on ADV class membership.

CONCLUSION

Results highlight the importance of considering different ADV patterns and maltreatment as interactive risk factors for increased self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. Intervention and prevention approaches relevant to maltreated youths are discussed for families and practitioners.

Bidirectional Relations Between Dating Violence Victimization and Substance Use in a Diverse Sample of Early Adolescents

Substance use and dating violence victimization are common in adolescence and represent significant public health concerns. Although theoretical accounts suggest a bidirectional association between substance use and victimization within dating relationships, this has not been tested during early adolescence. Thus, the current study examined bidirectional associations between physical and psychological dating violence victimization and substance use across 6 months among an ethnically diverse sample of early adolescents. Sex was also examined as a moderator. Participants included two cohorts of sixth graders from 37 schools who were in dating relationships in the last 3 months at Wave 1, in the fall of sixth grade, and 6 months later at Wave 2, in the spring of sixth grade (n = 2,022; 43% female; 55% Black, 17% Latino/a, 16% White, 9% as multiracial, and 3% as another race/ethnicity). Students reported on the frequency of dating violence in the past 3 months and substance use in the past 30 days. Multilevel models, with students at Level 1 and classes (i.e., clusters of students in the same cohort at the same school; n = 74) at Level 2, tested hypotheses that positive reciprocal relations between physical and psychological dating violence victimization and substance use would be found over time, and that relations would be stronger for girls than boys. Sex, race/ethnicity, and family structure variables were included as Level 1 covariates; intervention condition and neighborhood concentrated disadvantage were included as Level 2 covariates. Results showed that higher levels of physical dating violence victimization at Wave 1 predicted increased substance use at Wave 2. Higher levels of substance use at Wave 1 predicted increased physical and psychological dating violence victimization at Wave 2. Findings highlight the importance of prevention efforts for dating violence and substance use early in adolescence.

Groups of Sexual Violence Perpetration in a National Sample of Youth 13-25 Years of Age

Little is known about how specific forms of sexual violence (SV) perpetration group together and how youth transition between these groups over time. Between 2011 and 2016, four waves of data were collected online nationally from 1129 13-25-year-olds. Six forms of SV perpetration were assessed: sexual harassment, online sexual harassment, sexual assault, coercive sex, attempted rape, and rape. We used latent class analysis to examine how different types of SV perpetration behaviors clustered together in each of the four waves. Latent transition analysis was used to examine stability and instability in group membership between the first and fourth waves assessed. Three groups were identified in each of the four waves of data collection: (1) a "non-perpetrators" group, ranging from 69 to 81% (n: 775-912) across waves, (2) a "sexual harassment" group, ranging from 17 to 29% (n: 191-327), and (3) a "multiple perpetration" group that engaged in all types of SV perpetration, ranging from 1 to 3% (n: 12-28). Most youth persisted in their behavior over time, which was true for each of the three groups (ranging between 60 and 72%). Desistence was less common, ranging from 35% of those who transitioned from sexual harassment to non-perpetration to 20% for those who transitioned from multiple perpetration to sexual harassment, and from multiple perpetration to non-perpetration. Escalation was least common, ranging from 2% who transitioned from non-perpetration to multiple perpetration to 26% who transitioned from non-perpetration to sexual harassment. Youth who perpetrate SV are heterogeneous; SV perpetration is not persistent for all youth.

Gender-Specific Patterns of Teen Dating Violence in Heterosexual Relationships and their Associations with Attachment Insecurities and Emotion Dysregulation

Teen dating violence is a complex issue associated with several deleterious consequences. Previous studies emphasize the importance of considering the heterogeneity of teen dating violence experiences to better understand this issue and its correlates. In this perspective, the present study aimed to identify gender-specific patterns of teen dating violence in heterosexual relationships based on directionality (victimization and perpetration) and forms of violence (psychological, physical and sexual). In addition, this study aimed to investigate how these patterns are differentially associated with attachment insecurities and emotion dysregulation. A total of 3100 adolescents who reported being in a heterosexual romantic relationship (mean age = 15.92 years; 60% girls) completed questionnaires on teen dating violence, romantic attachment and emotion dysregulation. Latent class analyses revealed four distinct patterns of teen dating violence. The first three patterns, namely Low dating violence (40% of girls and 54% of boys), Mutual psychological dating violence (34% of girls and 33% of boys) and Mutual psychological and physical dating violence (14% of girls and 5% of boys), were found for both genders. The last pattern differed greatly based on gender and was labeled Mutual psychological dating violence and sexual victimization in girls (12%) and Multiple dating violence victimization in boys (8%). Higher levels of emotion dysregulation and attachment insecurities were found in adolescents experiencing more complex patterns of dating violence. This study contributes to the development of teen dating violence prevention and intervention programs by identifying gender-specific patterns of teen dating violence and documenting their associations with important trauma-informed correlates.

Association Between Dating Violence and Behavioral and Health Outcomes Among Early Adolescents From Denmark: The Role of Exposure to Childhood Maltreatment

AIM

To examine the unique contribution of child maltreatment victimization on the association between adolescent dating violence (ADV) and four negative behavioral and health-related factors.

METHOD

In total, 2,934 7th grade students (M = 13.5, SD = .5) filled out questionnaires at school. Binominal logistic regression was performed to assess the impact of child maltreatment on the relationship between ADV and behavioral and health-related factors.

RESULTS

After child maltreatment was taken into account, associations between ADV and the negative behavioral and health-related factors became weaker.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from the present study suggest that focusing on one victimization type (such as ADV) when examining psychological outcomes, can be problematic as the causal relationship may be misrepresented when an adolescent's broader victimization profile and context is not considered.

Rest a while and run a mile: Relationship between distraction and negative emotions among college students in China

Previous experimental studies have regarded distraction, an emotional regulation strategy, as an attentional disengagement strategy and considered it to be maladaptive in the long term. This study intends to further examine the relationship between distraction and negative emotions by using a questionnaire and a multiple mediation model. A total of 723 college students completed the distraction, cognitive reappraisal and problem-solving subscales of the Measurement of Affect Regulation Styles, the Needs Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Meaningful Life Measure, and the Emotional Experience Questionnaire of Well-being. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed, and mediation effects were tested. The results showed that (1) distraction was used significantly more frequently than problem-solving and cognitive reappraisal, with a large effect size (partial η² = 0.321 > 0.138), and (2) distraction had an effect on negative emotions through two multiple mediation paths, i.e., positive emotion—cognitive reappraisal—meaning in life, and positive emotion—problem-solving—needs satisfaction. Distraction reduces negative emotions by enhancing positive emotions and facilitating cognitive reappraisal, problem-solving, meaning in life and needs satisfaction. It is not a kind of avoidance but a temporary rest to strive for a better life.

Attitudes about aggression and perpetration of Adolescent Dating Aggression: A cross-lagged panel model

INTRODUCTION

Several cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have found associations between attitudes about aggression and aggressive behaviors. However, few studies examine all subtypes of Adolescent Dating Aggression (ADA)-physical, psychological/emotional, sexual, and stalking; occurring in person or electronically-and there is a paucity of longitudinal studies that follow adolescents over several years.

METHODS

Middle school and high school students (N = 1240), in the Midwestern United States, participated in surveys one time per year for four years. Data from each year (Y1, Y2, Y3, & Y4) was used to conduct a cross-lagged panel analysis of attitudes about aggression and aggressive behaviors, among both cohorts.

RESULTS

By Y4, approximately 46% of the middle school cohort and 60% of the high school cohort perpetrated some form of ADA. The cross-lagged panel analysis revealed significant cross-sectional associations in the middle school (Y1, Y2, & Y4) and high school (Y1 & Y2) cohorts. Aggressive behaviors were significantly associated with future aggressive behaviors for the middle and high school cohorts each year. Similarly, attitudes about aggression were significantly associated with attitudes in the following years for both cohorts. Among the middle school cohort, there were significant cross-lagged effects between aggressive behaviors in Y2 and attitudes about aggression in Y3, as well as aggressive behaviors in Y3 and attitudes about aggression in Y4. Among the high school cohort, a bidirectional association was found from Y2 to Y3.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest prevention programs should be implemented earlier, among middle school aged adolescents, and target factors beyond attitudes supporting aggression.

Variáveis pessoais e contextuais preditoras de perpetração de violência no namoro na adolescência

Estudos prévios indicam que ser vítima de maus-tratos na infância e testemunhar a violência conjugal dos pais são preditores da violência no namoro na adolescência. A influência do grupo de pares, o uso de álcool e ser do sexo feminino igualmente aumentam o risco para a violência no namoro, embora ainda sejam variáveis pouco investigadas. Dessa forma, este estudo transversal descritivo investigou variáveis pessoais e contextuais associadas à perpetração de violência no namoro em 403 adolescentes, de 14 a 19 anos, de escolas públicas e privadas da Região Metropolitana de Porto Alegre, Brasil. Uma análise de regressão logística multivariada indicou que ter sofrido maus-tratos psicológicos na infância aumenta em 5,37 (IC 95 % = 2,30-12,57) a probabilidade de um adolescente ser perpetrador de violência verbal ou emocional no namoro. Demais variáveis preditoras (testemunhar violência parental, influência do grupo de pares, uso de álcool e ser do sexo feminino) não se mostraram significativas. Este estudo reúne evidências de aspectos intergeracionais da violência no namoro e indica a necessidade de programas de prevenção com adolescentes.

Intimate partner violence in adolescents: Preventive strategies for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners

TOPIC

Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a significant public health problem that is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. IPV has become increasingly prevalent in adolescents, with 20% of adolescents between 13 and 18 years reporting physical IPV, and 9% reporting sexual IPV. To assure the best outcomes for adolescents at-risk for or experiencing IPV, it is critical for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) to implement preventive interventions, spanning from primary to tertiary prevention, to address IPV.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of primary, secondary, and tertiary preventative strategies needed to improve outcomes for adolescents experiencing IPV within the context of the socioecologial model.

SOURCES USED

Utilizing PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, a literature review was conducted to identify relevant publications spanning from 2015 to present. Reference lists of identified articles were also searched.

CONCLUSIONS

PMHNPs must be competent in psychoeducation and counseling, screening, and management of comorbidities and safety planning to assure best outcomes for adolescents exposed to IPV.

Patterns of Bullying Victimization and Associations with Mental Health Problems in Chinese Adolescents: A Latent Class Analysis

Bullying victimization in school students is a serious public health concern and has been linked to a wide range of mental health problems. The current study aims to examine patterns of involvement in different types of bullying victimization among Chinese adolescents and evaluate the associations between bullying victimization and mental health problems. Cross-sectional data from 20,722 middle school students from Guangdong Province were sampled using a multistage, stratified cluster-randomized sampling method. Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed on seven items representing bullying victimization. Levels of mental health outcomes were compared across each latent class. Four latent classes were identified for boys: the high victimization class (0.6%), the moderate victimization class (2.8%), the verbal victimization class (12.4%), and the low victimization class (84.2%). For girls, three latent classes were identified: the high victimization class (0.7%), the moderate victimization class (5.6%), and the low victimization class (93.7%). Characteristics of the item probabilities were different between boys and girls. For both genders, a graded relationship was found between bullying victimization class membership and mental health outcomes. These findings underline the complexity of bullying victimization patterns among Chinese adolescents. Students with higher involvement in bullying victimization have more severe mental health problems.

Intimate partner violence in Nepal: Latent patterns and association with depressive symptoms

Existing data suggest that there are distinct patterns (or classes) of intimate partner violence (IPV) experience that depart from dichotomous categorizations used to monitor progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 5.2. Less is known about the patterning of IPV in non-Western settings. This study estimates distinct classes of IPV experience in Nepal and examines potential community-level variability in these classes and in the association between IPV class and depressive symptoms. This study used data collected in 2016 from a random sample of Nepalese married women of reproductive age (N = 1440) living in 72 communities in three districts (Nawalparasi, Chitwan, and Kapilvastu). We used fixed effects and random effects latent class models of 2 through 6 classes. We fit a negative binomial regression model adjusted for relevant confounders to examine the relationship of the latent IPV classes with depressive symptoms. A four-class model was the best fitting. It included a "low exposure" class (77.36% of the sample) characterized by a low probability of experiencing any form of IPV, a "sexual violence" class (9.03% of the sample) characterized by a high probability of experiencing a form of sexual violence, a "moderate violence" class (6.60% of the sample) characterized by modest probabilities of experiencing less severe emotional and physical IPV, and a "systematic violence" class (7.01% of the sample) characterized by a high probability of being exposed to all forms of IPV. Adding random effects did not improve model fit, suggesting no community-level variations in classes. Relative to membership in the low exposure class, membership in all other classes was associated with a higher count of depressive symptoms. Those in the systematic class had a mean weighted symptom count 2.29 times that of the low exposure group. Classes of IPV exposure must be identified to ensure that surveillance and programming are attuned to women's experiences of violence.

The Role of Acceptance of Violence Beliefs and Social Information Processing on Dating Violence Perpetration

This study's main objective was to explore whether beliefs legitimizing dating violence predict dysfunctional social information processing (SIP) when adolescents deal with ambiguous dating situations, and whether this more proximal cognitive processing acts as a mediator between acceptance of violence beliefs and dating violence perpetration. Participants were 855 high school students who completed self-report measures at three time points, with a 1-year interval between them. SIP did not act as a mediator, but the emergence of anger emotions in dating conflict situations, along with aggression-justifying beliefs, were revealed as essential in explaining dating violence. Previous aggression also explained a subsequent higher anticipation of positive consequences for aggressive acts. We discuss the implications for prevention and treatment strategies with adolescents.