Victims of teen dating violence are at increased risk of mood and behavior problems as young adults and at increased risk for future violent relationships, a new study suggests.
Roughly 30% of both boys and girls say they have been the victim in an aggressive heterosexual dating relationship, found researchers who analyzed data from a nationally representative survey of 5,681 teens ages 12 to 18. This adds to research suggesting that teen dating violence "is a substantial public health problem," says the study in today's Pediatrics.
About 20% of both girls and boys said they experienced only psychological violence; 2% of girls and 3% of boys said just physical. Ten percent of girls and 8% of boys cited both.
When Cornell University researcher Deinera Exner-Cortens and colleagues analyzed data from the same subjects five years later, they found notable differences: Victimized girls reported more smoking, heavy drinking, depression and suicidal thoughts; boys increased delinquency, marijuana use and suicidal thoughts. Both were more likely to be in violent relationships as adults.
Healthy romantic relationships "are a very important developmental experience for teens," says Exner-Cortens. "They help develop a sense of identity, a sense of autonomy."
"This study is useful in exploring a range of consequential health outcomes that may be associated with teen dating violence," says sociologist Peggy Giordano of Bowling Green State University in Ohio, who was not involved in the study.
"Results show that effects can persist well past adolescence itself and suggest the need to consider the impact for young men as well as young women" who report abuse, she adds.
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