Psychological Functioning Among Latino Victims of Teen Dating Violence: The Role of Relational and Collective Resources

Abstract

This study examined whether the relationship between teen dating violence (DV) and psychological functioning (depression, anxiety, and hostility) varied as a function of relational and collective resources (social support, familism, and school connectedness) among Latino teen victims of DV. Data came from a subset of youth who experienced DV ( n = 95) from the Dating Violence Among Latinos Adolescents Study, a national survey of Latino teens aged 12-18 years old. Multivariate regression models showed that school connectedness was associated with lower depression and anxiety for DV victims. Additionally, five interactions were significant across depression, anxiety, and hostility: Three following a pattern of protective-enhancing (DV × School connectedness for depression and anxiety; DV × Social support for anxiety) and two following a pattern of vulnerability-reactive (DV × Familism for anxiety and hostility). School connectedness is an important protective factor for Latino teen victims of DV and one that can inform intervention efforts. Latino victims of DV benefit from high levels of school connectedness and social support, especially when DV is high. At high levels of DV familism is associated with a worsening of mental health. It is important to understand the nuances of how these resources work at varying levels of DV for intervention and prevention purposes.

Stories of Hope and Health: Wisdom From Older Mexican–American Women Who Broke Free From the Entangled Web of Love and Violence

“…The seeds of respectful relationships and respect for the self must be planted early, included in early childhood education, and reinforced throughout school age years to foster a society without IPV (Spivak et al, 2014). Before young people enter dating relationships, they should have a clear understanding of what healthy relationships entail, because people often first experience IPV during adolescence, as did the women in this study and as other studies have found (Sabina et al, 2022).…”

“…Although cultural scripts do not predict IPV, strengths and barriers within one's culture can color the IPV experience and influence one's perception of IPV. Furthermore, according to Ungar, "culture provides a belief system that brings meaning, purpose, rituals to deal with adversity as well as shape priorities and values" (Sabina et al, 2022). The voices of ethnic minorities, especially expressing the wisdom of older women, their resolution of IPV, and their strength and resilience, are missing in the literature.…”

“…Although emotional or verbal abuse is often underreported, unrecognized, or entangled with other forms of abuse, the CDC (2021) estimates that over 43 million women have experienced psychological aggression from an intimate partner. Since the 1990s, despite increased interest in older women’s experiences of IPV, little research has addressed this population (Weeks & LeBlanc, 2011). Physical abuse does decline with age, but psychological abuse, often more painful and difficult to manage, may continue (Finfgeld-Connett, 2014).…”

“…IPV, a serious public health problem worldwide, crosses all boundaries, including those of ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and age. Only recently, however, have we begun to explore the lived experiences of IPV in older women, especially older minority women (Finfgeld-Connett, 2014; McGarry et al, 2011; Weeks & LeBlanc, 2011). For some women, violence occurs from “cradle to grave.” Some move beyond IPV but experience the aftermath, manifested in multiple health problems or negative coping (Lazenbatt & Devaney, 2014).…”