Adolescent relationship abuse and reproductive and sexual coercion among teens

Abstract

Current findings underscore the extent to which young, reproductive-aged women may particularly benefit from more effective methods to address ARA. In line with recent American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendations, clinicians should assess for and counsel their adolescent female patients about how ARA and reproductive and sexual coercion may influence adolescent girls' reproductive health. Recent evidence also highlights that ARA manifests in ways that may be less recognizable to clinicians, such as cyber dating abuse. Finally, ARA prevention and intervention efforts should continue to promote gender equity and address the social and cultural norms that shape adolescent girls' experiences of abuse.

Caring for Women Experiencing Reproductive Coercion

“…The influence of cultural norms, gender roles and expectations, and interpretations of masculinity impact how men and women experience and understand decisions and pressure regarding reproductive health. 14 The nature and direction of the associations between reproductive coercion, IPV, and unintended pregnancy are still largely unknown. What is known is the potential for health care providers to intervene and to make a significant impact in the lives of women experiencing reproductive coercion.…”

“…A complex array of sociological, psychological, and epidemiologic factors are at play in the phenomenon of reproductive coercion. The influence of cultural norms, gender roles and expectations, and interpretations of masculinity impact how men and women experience and understand decisions and pressure regarding reproductive health …”

Psychometric properties and refinement of the Reproductive Coercion Scale

“…Other qualitative studies illustrate tactics including male partners telling women they “do not believe in contraception” and want children [12], with partners not only attempting to control conception, but the outcome of a pregnancy [13]. These behaviors are facets of reproductive coercion (RC), defined by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as “behavior intended to maintain power and control in a relationship related to reproductive health…” [14] RC includes explicit attempts to impregnate a partner against her will, control outcomes of a pregnancy, and interfere with using contraception [15]. …”

The Influence of Culture on Healthy Relationship Formation and Teen Dating Violence: A Qualitative Analysis of South Asian Female Youth Residing in the United States

“…According to the National Survey on Teen Relationships and Intimate Violence, 69% of teenagers have experienced TDV at some point in their lifetimes (66% reported psychological abuse; 18% sexual abuse; and 18% physical abuse; Taylor & Mumford, 2016). TDV has well-known detrimental physical, psychological, and sexual health impacts including increased depression/anxiety, suicidality, more substance use, unwanted pregnancies, experiencing reproductive coercion, bullying via technology or social media, and unhealthy weight control behaviors (Exner-Cortens, Eckenrode, & Rothman, 2013; E. Miller & McCauley, 2013; Silverman, Raj, Mucci, & Hathway, 2001).…”