NCJ Number
230430
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2010 Pages: 183-191
Date Published
March 2010
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study examined the prevalence of violent acts of a verbal-emotional and physical nature among adolescents in a dating relationship from Spain.
Abstract
Major findings of the study include: 1) females reported a mean frequency of perpetrating aggressive behaviors (both verbal-emotional and physical) higher than males reported; 2) verbal-emotional aggression was the most frequent form of aggression used in these romantic relationships; 3) dissatisfaction with one's partner seemed to be the most commonly noted motive for arguments between partners, but jealousy was more central in explaining how often aggressive acts were perpetrated; 4) relational deterioration was identified as the principal consequence of these arguments; 5) carrying out a type of aggression was highly associated with being a victim of the same type of aggression; and 6) relationship deterioration was highly correlated with being a victim of verbal-emotional aggression, while physical deterioration was correlated more strongly with being a victim of physical aggression. The results demonstrate that the use of abusive behaviors in adolescent dating relationships is prevalent in Spain, and sex differences were evident in the perpetration of aggression. The purpose of this study of 567 females and males, 15 to 19 years of age, was to examine three aspects of romantic relationships of Spanish adolescents: the prevalence of verbal-emotional and physical aggressive behaviors, correlates of dating violence perpetration (both verbal-emotional and physical aggression), and consequences of violence for victims' well-being. Tables and references