Long-term Adverse Outcomes Associated With Teen Dating Violence: A Systematic Review

Abstract

CONTEXT: Evidence suggests that teen dating violence (TDV) is associated with long-term adverse outcomes, but these associations have not been systematically assessed. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review of the longitudinal associations between TDV and negative outcomes, including mental and physical health, reoccurrence of violence in intimate relationships, and high-risk behaviors (substance use and sexual behaviors). DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed articles published in English were searched in PsycINFO/Eric/PsycArticles, PubMed, and Web of Science database from inception to November 2022. STUDY SELECTION: Prospective studies that assessed TDV during adolescence, had a follow-up of at least ≥1 year, and evaluated the associations of TDV with health, violence in romantic intimate relationships, or risk behaviors were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Study characteristics, baseline data, and follow-up outcomes were extracted from included studies. RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies involving 23 unique samples were analyzed. Findings showed that TDV in adolescence was associated with future teen dating and intimate partner violence in adulthood. Studies also indicated that TDV was longitudinally associated with increasing high-risk behaviors (i.e., marijuana and alcohol use) and poor mental health outcomes (particularly for victimization). There was unclear evidence on the longitudinal link between TDV and suicidal attempts. Significant associations between TDV and negative outcomes were reported more frequently among females compared with males. LIMITATIONS: Length of follow-up varied across studies. CONCLUSIONS: Dating violence in adolescence may represent a risk factor for a wide range of long-term outcomes. Female adolescents reporting TDV may be at higher risk of adverse outcomes compared with males.

Interpersonal Violence, Racial Discrimination, and Mental Health Symptoms Among Adolescents of Color in the Juvenile-Justice System

“…For example, they may directly experience parent-child violence or dating violence, or they may be exposed to physical violence between their parents (David-Ferdon et al, 2021;Finkelhor et al, 2015;McDonald et al, 2006;Wincentak et al, 2017). Such experiences increase the risk for adolescent mental health symptoms (traumatic stress, internalizing, and externalizing) and delinquent acts (Gershoff, 2013;Piolanti et al, 2023;Vu et al, 2016). Moreover, exposure to multiple types of interpersonal violence, as compared to a single type, increases the risk for mental health symptoms and delinquent acts even further (e.g., Cheung & Huang, 2023;Gómez, 2011;Jouriles et al, 2012).…”

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Multidimensional Scale of Dating Violence 2.0 in Young University Students

“…On the other hand, findings indicate that undergoing dating abuse during adolescence contributes to subsequent experiences of being victimised or perpetrating abuse by a romantic partner later [20,21,24,27]. This underscores the importance of identifying and addressing these violent behaviours from their earliest stages.…”

“…In general, studies indicate that young people dating abuse, both victimisation and perpetration, is associated with a range of negative short-and long-term health outcomes [19]. Within the mental and psychological sphere, it has been found that both victims and perpetrators show symptoms of depression and increased suicidal ideation and attempts across time, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder [20,21]. Mental disorders play a dual role, as both risk factors for and outcomes of DV [22].…”

Teen dating violence: predictive role of sexism and the mediating role of empathy and assertiveness based on gender

“…According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US, TDV is a widespread issue among adolescents, with 8.2% of high school students reporting physical and sexual violence in their romantic relationships ( Basile et al, 2020 ). TDV may represent a risk factor for experiencing violence in adulthood ( Piolanti et al, 2023 ).…”