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Woolweaver AB, Abu Khalaf N, Espelage DL, Zhou Z, Reynoso Marmolejos R, Calnan M, Mirsen R. Outcomes Associated with Adolescent Dating and Sexual Violence Victimization: A Systematic Review of School-Based Literature. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024:15248380241226618. [PMID: 38265028 DOI: 10.1177/15248380241226618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ziyi Zhou
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | - Mary Calnan
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Rachel Mirsen
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, USA
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Ricks JM, Montgomery CM, Nash JA. Measurement of Adolescent Dating Violence in Sexual Minority Youth: A Scoping Review. AGGRESSION AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR 2023; 73:101870. [PMID: 37587915 PMCID: PMC10426751 DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2023.101870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Effectively addressing adolescent dating violence rests on the quality of its measurement, as that has substantial implications for our understanding of prevalence, correlates, outcomes. Although dating violence is highly prevalent among sexual minority youth, the state of measurement in this population has scarcely been explored. This scoping review presents information on the measurement of adolescent dating violence in exiting studies conducted with sexual minority youth. Three databases were searched, and the ancestry approach was used to identify relevant literature published in the United States between 1992-2022 that included sexual minority adolescents aged 19 years or younger. Twenty-one articles were identified. Five enrolled entirely sexual minority samples. Sexual minority distribution ranged from 2.1%-100%. All studies operationalized sexual identity as an orientation (not sexual behavior, attraction). Nineteen studies focused on measuring dating violence behavior. Twelve reported on female and male victimization, 4 on female and male perpetration and victimization, 2 on female perpetration and victimization, and 2 on female victimization-only. Most commonly used items were from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (11 studies) and the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (3 studies). Two studies assessed knowledge of and attitudes toward dating violence. Domains explored included rape myth acceptance, victim empathy, bystander opportunity, and dating abuse knowledge. Only two scales had undergone previous systematic psychometric evaluation. There was no evidence of cross-cultural validation in sexual minority populations. Rigorous research on adolescent dating violence measurement among sexual minority youth is greatly needed and should be given priority among researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- JaNelle M. Ricks
- Ohio State University College of Public Health, Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, 1841 Neil Ave, Columbus OH 43210, United States
| | - Courtni M. Montgomery
- Ohio State University College of Public Health, Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, 1841 Neil Ave, Columbus OH 43210, United States
| | - Jimmy A. Nash
- Ohio State University College of Public Health, Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, 1841 Neil Ave, Columbus OH 43210, United States
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Lachman P, Zweig J, Dank M, Yahner J. Patterns of Help-Seeking Behavior Among Victims of Teen Dating Violence and Abuse: Variations Among Boys and Girls. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2019; 89:791-799. [PMID: 31418170 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the extensive research on rates of teen dating violence and abuse and its' consequences, less is known about help-seeking behaviors among victims. The goals of this study were to document patterns of help-seeking behaviors among teen victims of dating violence and abuse and examine sex differences related to such patterns. METHODS The study involved cross-sectional surveys of 3745 dating youth from 10 middle and high schools in the northeastern United States, 59% of whom reported some kind of dating abuse victimization. We examined the characteristics of youth who reported any type of dating abuse victimization comparing youth who reported seeking help to youth who did not report seeking help following their victimization. RESULTS Only 9% of victims reported seeking help after their victimization experience. Help-seeking differed significantly by sex; female victims were more likely to seek help than male victims, and the types of dating abuse that help-seekers experienced also varied by sex. Overall, 17% of youth sought help from school counselors and 13% sought help from teachers. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that help-seeking behavior is very uncommon among victim populations, particularly if they are not part of specific dating violence prevention programs. In addition, we found female victims were nearly 2 times more likely to seek help than male victims. Given that few youth seek help on their own, schools might create more formalized reporting mechanisms to ensure such violence is addressed effectively and efficiently, and create peer and parental support networks to build awareness and create comfort for victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Lachman
- The Crime and Justice Institute at Community Resources for Justice, 355 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116
| | - Janine Zweig
- The Urban Institute, 2100 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 20037
| | - Meredith Dank
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 524 West 59th Street, New York, NY, 10019
| | - Jennifer Yahner
- The Urban Institute, 2100 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 20037
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Souza VPD, Gusmão TLDA, Neto WB, Guedes TG, Monteiro EMLM. Fatores de risco associados à exposição de adolescentes à violência sexual. AVANCES EN ENFERMERÍA 2019. [DOI: 10.15446/av.enferm.v37n3.77050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo: analisar as evidências científicas sobre os fatores de risco associados à exposição de adolescentes à violência sexual.Síntese de conteúdo: revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada em quatro bases de dados e duas bibliotecas virtuais, sem limites do ano de publicação, utilizando-seos descritores: “delitos sexuais”, “adolescentes” e “fatores de risco”. Utilizou-se, também, a palavra-chave “violência sexual” e equivalentes, no idioma inglês. Na análise dos 22 artigos incluídos, os fatores associados à exposição dos adolescentes à violência sexual foram classificados em “abuso sexual” e “exploração sexual”. O consumo de álcool e/ou drogas foi o fator mais evidente, seguido do sexo casual, dabaixa escolaridade, da baixa renda, da violência familiar, dos relacionamentos em ambientes virtuais, da estigmatização do trabalho sexual e falta de moradia.Conclusão: os fatores apresentados devem ser considerados pela enfermagem para o reconhecimento de adolescentes vítimas de violência sexual, além de contribuir na prevenção de novos casos e na minimização dos efeitos que tal ato pode causar na vida desse público.
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Smith J, Mulford C, Latzman NE, Tharp AT, Niolon PH, Blachman-Demner D. Taking Stock of Behavioral Measures of Adolescent Dating Violence. JOURNAL OF AGGRESSION, MALTREATMENT & TRAUMA 2015; 24:674-692. [PMID: 29606849 PMCID: PMC5875428 DOI: 10.1080/10926771.2015.1049767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The past 2 decades have witnessed an increase in dating violence awareness and research. As the field evolves, it is critical to examine the definition and measurement of adolescent dating violence. This article summarizes the behavioral measures of adolescent dating violence used in the field. Based on a review of the literature and federally funded studies, we identified 48 different measures. The most commonly used measures were the Conflict Tactics Scale-2, the Safe Dates Scale, and the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationship Inventory, which all examine aspects of psychological, physical, and sexual violence. Researchers also adapted or created their own measures. This article concludes with a discussion of developments for consideration as the field moves forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Smith
- Criminology and Criminal Justice Department, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Carrie Mulford
- Crime, Violence, and Victimization Research Division, Office of Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Justice, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Natasha E Latzman
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury, Prevention, and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andra Teten Tharp
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury, Prevention, and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Phyllis Holditch Niolon
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury, Prevention, and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dara Blachman-Demner
- Crime, Violence, and Victimization Research Division, Office of Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Justice, Washington, DC, USA
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Yahner J, Dank M, Zweig JM, Lachman P. The co-occurrence of physical and cyber dating violence and bullying among teens. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2015; 30:1079-1089. [PMID: 25038223 DOI: 10.1177/0886260514540324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the overlap in teen dating violence and bullying perpetration and victimization, with regard to acts of physical violence, psychological abuse, and-for the first time ever-digitally perpetrated cyber abuse. A total of 5,647 youth (51% female, 74% White) from 10 schools participated in a cross-sectional anonymous survey. Results indicated substantial co-occurrence of all types of teen dating violence and bullying. Youth who perpetrated and/or experienced physical, psychological, and cyber bullying were likely to have also perpetrated/experienced physical and sexual dating violence, and psychological and cyber dating abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meredith Dank
- Justice Policy Center, Urban Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Janine M Zweig
- Justice Policy Center, Urban Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Pamela Lachman
- Justice Policy Center, Urban Institute, Washington, DC, USA
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French BH, Bi Y, Latimore TG, Klemp HR, Butler EE. Sexual victimization using latent class analysis: exploring patterns and psycho-behavioral correlates. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2014; 29:1111-1131. [PMID: 24255063 DOI: 10.1177/0886260513506052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Sexual victimization is prevalent in the United States and overrepresented among adolescents. Research typically assesses victimization on a continuum of severity and rarely examines patterns of victimization within an individual. Using latent class analysis, the present study investigated whether meaningful classes of sexual victimization could be found based on the tactic used and severity of sexual behavior. Personal characteristics and psycho-behavioral outcomes were explored as they related to victimization classes. Peer sexual coercion experiences were examined among 657 racially diverse high school and college students, and four classes were identified: non-victims (54%), manipulated and forced fondle/intercourse (27%), poly-victimization (9.5%), and forced fondling (9.5%). Sexual victimization classes were significantly characterized in regards to childhood sexual abuse, gender, and age. The poly-victimization class (i.e., verbal coercion, substance facilitated, and physical force resulting in completed intercourse) showed the greatest level of psycho-behavioral consequences with significantly lower self-esteem, higher psychological distress, and more sexual risk taking than all other classes. The manipulated and forced class also showed significantly lower self-esteem than non-victims. Findings provide important implications for understanding patterns of sexual victimization and related consequences to help target interventions more effectively.
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Zweig JM, Lachman P, Yahner J, Dank M. Correlates of cyber dating abuse among teens. J Youth Adolesc 2013; 43:1306-21. [PMID: 24198083 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-013-0047-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent advancements in technology (e.g., social networking, texting) have created new ways for dating youth to relate to one another, including in abusive ways via "cyber dating abuse." Cyber dating abuse is a form of teen dating violence that overlaps with other types of abuse (e.g., psychological) but also has several unique characteristics. Given the phenomenon's limited presence in dating violence literature, we focus on identifying how experiencing cyber dating abuse relates to youths' individual behaviors and experiences (e.g., substance use, sexual activity), psychosocial adjustment, school connection, family relationships, and partner relationships. A total of 3,745 youth (52% female, 74% White) in three northeastern states participated in the survey and reported currently being in a dating relationship or having been in one during the prior year. We found that experiences of cyber dating abuse were most significantly correlated with being female, committing a greater variety of delinquent behaviors, having had sexual activity in one's lifetime, having higher levels of depressive symptoms, and having higher levels of anger/hostility. Further, cyber dating abuse appeared somewhat more strongly related to depressive symptoms and delinquency than did other forms of teen dating violence and abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine M Zweig
- Justice Policy Center, Urban Institute, Washington, DC, USA,
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Dating violence experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. J Youth Adolesc 2013; 43:846-57. [PMID: 23861097 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-013-9975-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Media attention and the literature on lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth overwhelmingly focus on violence involving hate crimes and bullying, while ignoring the fact that vulnerable youth also may be at increased risk of violence in their dating relationships. In this study, we examine physical, psychological, sexual, and cyber dating violence experiences among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth--as compared to those of heterosexual youth, and we explore variations in the likelihood of help-seeking behavior and the presence of particular risk factors among both types of dating violence victims. A total of 5,647 youth (51 % female, 74 % White) from 10 schools participated in a cross-sectional anonymous survey, of which 3,745 reported currently being in a dating relationship or having been in one during the prior year. Results indicated that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are at higher risk for all types of dating violence victimization (and nearly all types of dating violence perpetration), compared to heterosexual youth. Further, when looking at gender identity, transgender and female youth are at highest risk of most types of victimization, and are the most likely perpetrators of all forms of dating violence but sexual coercion, which begs further exploration. The findings support the development of dating violence prevention programs that specifically target the needs and vulnerabilities of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth, in addition to those of female and transgender youth.
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The rate of cyber dating abuse among teens and how it relates to other forms of teen dating violence. J Youth Adolesc 2013; 42:1063-77. [PMID: 23412689 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-013-9922-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
To date, little research has documented how teens might misuse technology to harass, control, and abuse their dating partners. This study examined the extent of cyber dating abuse-abuse via technology and new media-in youth relationships and how it relates to other forms of teen dating violence. A total of 5,647 youth from ten schools in three northeastern states participated in the survey, of which 3,745 reported currently being in a dating relationship or having been in one during the prior year (52 % were female; 74 % White). Just over a quarter of youth in a current or recent relationship said that they experienced some form of cyber dating abuse victimization in the prior year, with females reporting more cyber dating abuse victimization than males (particularly sexual cyber dating abuse). One out of ten youth said that they had perpetrated cyber dating abuse, with females reporting greater levels of non-sexual cyber dating abuse perpetration than males; by contrast, male youth were significantly more likely to report perpetrating sexual cyber dating abuse. Victims of sexual cyber dating abuse were seven times more likely to have also experienced sexual coercion (55 vs. 8 %) than were non-victims, and perpetrators of sexual cyber dating abuse were 17 times more likely to have also perpetrated sexual coercion (34 vs. 2 %) than were non-perpetrators. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
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Litwiller BJ, Brausch AM. Cyber bullying and physical bullying in adolescent suicide: the role of violent behavior and substance use. J Youth Adolesc 2013; 42:675-84. [PMID: 23381779 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-013-9925-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The impact of bullying in all forms on the mental health and safety of adolescents is of particular interest, especially in the wake of new methods of bullying that victimize youths through technology. The current study examined the relationship between victimization from both physical and cyber bullying and adolescent suicidal behavior. Violent behavior, substance use, and unsafe sexual behavior were tested as mediators between two forms of bullying, cyber and physical, and suicidal behavior. Data were taken from a large risk-behavior screening study with a sample of 4,693 public high school students (mean age = 16.11, 47 % female). The study's findings showed that both physical bullying and cyber bullying associated with substance use, violent behavior, unsafe sexual behavior, and suicidal behavior. Substance use, violent behavior, and unsafe sexual behavior also all associated with suicidal behavior. Substance use and violent behavior partially mediated the relationship between both forms of bullying and suicidal behavior. The comparable amount of variance in suicidal behavior accounted for by both cyber bullying and physical bullying underscores the important of further cyber bullying research. The direct association of each risk behavior with suicidal behavior also underscores the importance of reducing risk behaviors. Moreover, the role of violence and substance use as mediating behaviors offers an explanation of how risk behaviors can increase an adolescent's likelihood of suicidal behavior through habituation to physical pain and psychological anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett J Litwiller
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology, University of Oklahoma, 455 West Lindsey Street, Norman, OK 73019, USA
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12
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Xu Y, Olfson M, Villegas L, Okuda M, Wang S, Liu SM, Blanco C. A characterization of adult victims of sexual violence: results from the national epidemiological survey for alcohol and related conditions. Psychiatry 2013; 76:223-40. [PMID: 23965262 DOI: 10.1521/psyc.2013.76.3.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Sexual violence can cause acute and persistent negative psychological outcomes among children and adults in a community. Previous studies have frequently reported high prevalence of prior child and adolescent sexual abuse among adult victims of sexual violence. This raises uncertainty over the specific contribution of sexual victimization in adulthood to the adverse psychological outcomes. The present study draws on a large nationally representative sample of adults without history of childhood sexual abuse, and applies diagnostic criteria of DSM-IV, in order to investigate the risk factors and psychiatric comorbidities correlated with sexual victimization in adulthood. In a large representative sample of U.S. adults without history of childhood sexual abuse, 2.5% reported sexual victimization in adulthood. Female gender, living alone, economic disadvantage, and a history of childhood adversities and parental psychopathology were identified as risk factors. Adult sexual victimization increased the risk of developing a variety of psychiatric disorders, especially PTSD (HR = 3.43, 95% CI [2.67, 4.41]) and drug abuse (HR = 3.38, 95% CI [2.49, 4.58]). Conversely, pre-existing psychiatric psychopathology, particularly PTSD (HR = 3.99, 95% CI [2.68, 5.94]) and dysthymia (HR = 2.26, 95% CI [1.42, 3.59]), increased the likelihood of sexual victimization in adulthood. Childhood experience and adulthood sociodemographic characteristics are important in affecting the risk of being sexually victimized in adulthood. Psychiatric disorders can act as both risk factors and outcomes of adult sexual victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, NY 10032, USA
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13
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Abstract
The relations between type of sexual coercion (i.e., verbal, substance-facilitated, physical) and psychological and behavioral health were examined among Black ( n = 107) and White ( n = 114) young women. We also explored the moderating role of sexual stereotypes in understanding the relations between sexual coercion and health. Over half (53%) of the total sample reported experiencing at least one sexually coercive incident. Direct relations were found between sexual coercion type and psychological and behavioral health correlates. Specifically, for both Black and White young women, greater verbal coercion was related to increased risky sexual behaviors. Substance-facilitated sexual coercion was related to lower levels of two indicators of mental health among Black participants (i.e., psychological distress and self-esteem). Endorsement of sexual stereotypes moderated the relations between total sexual coercion experiences and self-esteem for Black young women and between total sexual coercion experiences and psychological distress for White young women.
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McGuire JK, Barber BL. A person-centered approach to the multifaceted nature of young adult sexual behavior. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2010; 47:301-13. [PMID: 19568975 DOI: 10.1080/00224490903062266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Young adult sexual relationships were examined using a multifaceted, person-centered approach with data from Wave 7 (aged 20-21; N = 1,126) of the Michigan Study of Adolescent Life Transitions. The study utilized hierarchical cluster analyses based on the following measured variables: frequency of sex, importance of regularly having sex, satisfaction with sex life, experience of coercion for sex, and sexual risk reduction. Five distinct clusters emerged for females (Satisfied, Moderate, Active Unprotected, Pressured, and Inactive) and represented patterns such as more partners paired with less risk reduction (Active Unprotected), high satisfaction paired with frequent sex and high-risk reduction (Satisfied), or higher levels of coercion paired with low satisfaction and low-risk reduction (Pressured). Similar clusters emerged for males, with one additional cluster: the Dissatisfied cluster. Clusters differed with respect to relationship status, marital status, and psychological well-being (both males and females) and parental divorce, living situation, and sexual orientation (females only).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenifer K McGuire
- Department of Human Development, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4852, USA.
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15
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Testa M, Livingston JA. Alcohol consumption and women's vulnerability to sexual victimization: can reducing women's drinking prevent rape? Subst Use Misuse 2009; 44:1349-76. [PMID: 19938922 PMCID: PMC2784921 DOI: 10.1080/10826080902961468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Before effective prevention interventions can be developed, it is necessary to identify the mechanisms that contribute to the targeted negative outcomes. A review of the literature on women's substance use and sexual victimization points to women's heavy episodic drinking as a proximal risk factor, particularly among college samples. At least half of sexual victimization incidents involve alcohol use and the majority of rapes of college women occur when the victim is too intoxicated to resist ("incapacitated rape"). Despite the importance of women's heavy episodic drinking as being a risk factor, existing rape prevention programs have rarely addressed women's alcohol use and have shown little success in reducing rates of sexual victimization. We argue that given the strength of the association between heavy episodic drinking and sexual victimization among young women, prevention programs targeting drinking may prove more efficacious than programs targeting sexual vulnerability. Applications of existing drinking prevention strategies to reducing women's sexual victimization are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Testa
- Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA.
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16
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Abstract
While some research has demonstrated the problems associated with sexual assault in urban areas, rural areas, however, have not been studied extensively. The studies on sexual assault in rural areas are discussed and some common concerns are identified. These include stranger versus acquaintance assault, hesitance to report assaults, blaming attitudes, and the need for more and faster services. The need for further research covering risk factors and treatment of sequelae is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra L Annan
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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