Publication Date

5-2024

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Sarah Bonis, Carl Myers, Jenni Redifer

Degree Program

Department of Psychology

Degree Type

Specialist Project

Abstract

Exposure to teen dating violence is known to increase risks for substance use and negatively impact educational outcomes. Those who are victims and perpetrators are also more likely to be involved with dating violence later in life, particularly in young adulthood. The current study aimed to examine the connection between exposure to teen dating violence and dating violence later in life. Specifically, this study looked at how attitudes toward dating violence related to overall levels of violence, how each type of dating violence related to cyber dating violence, how teen dating violence predicted dating violence in adulthood, and whether victimization differed by gender or sexual identity. Data was analyzed from a total of 593 participants between the ages of 18-25. Participants completed a battery of assessments to assess experiences with dating violence in adolescence and adulthood and acceptability of violence. A significant relationship was found to exist between participants’ current acceptability of dating violence and their previous exposure to dating violence. A moderate to strong relationship was found to exist between cyber dating violence and each of the other types of dating violence included in the current study (physical, sexual, and psychological). Lastly, exposure to violence in adolescence was found to be predictive of victimization in adulthood, supporting previous research on the cycle of violence. The current study highlights the importance of education on healthy relationships and increasing awareness on dating violence.

Disciplines

Education | Medicine and Health Sciences | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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Available for download on Thursday, April 22, 2027

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