Adolescent Perceptions of an Interactive Mobile Application to Respond to Teen Dating Violence

Abstract

Although research and intervention efforts in the United States have aimed to reduce teen dating violence (TDV), 10-year prevalence estimates suggest that TDV persists. Safety planning is an advocated intervention to reduce intimate partner abuse; yet, safety planning services for adolescents have not been systematically developed or tested. Personalized safety planning interventions that reflect teens’ immediate risk, priorities, and resources may be a key prevention and empowerment tool. Thus, the current study examined adolescent perceptions of an existing safety planning app, myPlan. A small convenience sample of adolescents participated in focus groups. Focus groups investigated the feasibility of an app for TDV intervention and elicited feedback on how apps can better assist adolescents experiencing dating violence. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify themes and patterns in the data. The following themes emerged: (a) careful and thoughtful inclusion of diverse adolescents, (b) capturing unique safety dilemmas encountered by adolescents, (c) clarifying the signs of an unhealthy and abusive relationship, and (d) resources for immediate help. Adolescents were thoughtful in their consideration of the myPlan app and articulated specific ways in which future applications could be more responsive to their lived experiences and challenges. Mobile app or electronic interventions that are developed with an eye toward empowering adolescents to understand how abusive behaviors may manifest in their relationships, weigh the risk and benefits of intervening, and are informed about local resources available to them for help may be most successful in reducing TDV.

Digital or Digitally Delivered Responses to Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence During COVID-19

“…Evidence shows some DV survivors prefer the practicality and confidentiality of technology-enabled interventions and guided online support (as opposed to in-person face-to-face services such as group counseling and individual therapy), making this a highly acceptable form of intervention delivery [ 23 - 28 ]. To their merit, technology-based interventions prioritize survivor privacy and safety, and offer personalized real-time access to DV screening, risk awareness, and support services [ 24 , 25 ]. Substantively, digital interventions provide safer options for leaving or navigating an abusive relationship (ie, safety planning).…”

“…These digital interventions are of benefit now more than ever, as they support hard-to-reach low-income survivors of partner violence [ 33 ], especially in health provider shortage areas, where victimization may intersect with other determinants of violence [ 24 , 25 , 29 , 36 ]. However, these digital interventions preclude the unique circumstances of a global pandemic.…”

“…These barriers can significantly impair help-seeking and are pronounced in unincorporated rural communities, among low-income users, and among older adult users (so-called “digital immigrants”) who may be unfamiliar with new technologies. Survivors also worry about their rights and choices when using impersonal digital technologies to discuss such a sensitive and dangerous issue [ 24 , 26 , 38 ]. In low- and middle-income countries, reduced use of counseling services by phone, SMS, and email is linked to profound gender digital divides, technical illiteracy, and device disparities, making digital resources supplementary at best [ 10 , 49 ].…”

Digital or Digitally Delivered Responses to Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence During COVID-19 (Preprint)

“…Likewise, with those who experience DV, there is growing evidence of the acceptability and feasibility of trauma-informed digital or digitally delivered interventions that prevent violence, increase the safety and decision-making of persons in an abusive relationship, and ultimately link them to trusted support [23][24][25][26][27]. Evidence shows some DV survivors prefer the practicality and confidentiality of technology-enabled interventions and guided online support (as opposed to in-person face-to-face services such as group counseling and individual therapy), making this a highly acceptable form of intervention delivery [23][24][25][26][27][28]. To their merit, technology-based interventions prioritize survivor privacy and safety, and offer personalized real-time access to DV screening, risk awareness, and support services [24,25].…”

“…Evidence shows some DV survivors prefer the practicality and confidentiality of technology-enabled interventions and guided online support (as opposed to in-person face-to-face services such as group counseling and individual therapy), making this a highly acceptable form of intervention delivery [23][24][25][26][27][28]. To their merit, technology-based interventions prioritize survivor privacy and safety, and offer personalized real-time access to DV screening, risk awareness, and support services [24,25]. Substantively, digital interventions provide safer options for leaving or navigating an abusive relationship (ie, safety planning).…”