|
Abstract
|
Violence and assaults experienced by adolescents are of great concern to researchers, parents, educators, and administrators who strive to help youth be healthy and happy. The impact of sexual assaults or sexual coercion and physical and psychological abuse in intimate dating relationships has a significant impact on young people. Consequences of dating violence include decreased mental and physical health and lower life satisfaction (Banyard & Cross, 2008). Teen dating violence impacts the psychological well-being of youth (Black, Tolma, Callahan, Saunders, & Weisz, 2008), with youth who are victims being more likely to experience depression and suicidal behaviors (Vézine & Hérbert, 2007). Additionally, longitudinal studies have identified long-term consequences of intimate partner violence to include depression, binge eating, substance abuse, and antisocial behavior (Foshee et al., 2012). While extensive research has not yet examined the impact of teen dating violence on academic outcomes, research in this area suggests that victims may have more negative views of school and that this may be the result of increased feelings of depression and substance abuse associated with victimization experiences.
Unfortunately, despite the alarming consequences noted above, researchers and educators struggle to prevent these problems. This is complicated by the fact that school-based prevention programs vary considerably, and often demonstrate small changes or no changes at all (Espelage, 2012; Espelage, Holt, & Isaia, 2007; Espelage & Low, in press). The present review will quantitatively synthesize prevention and intervention efforts implemented thus far in schools that sought to reduce or prevent the incidents of dating violence.
The Problem, Condition or Issue
Adolescents spend a significant amount of time with their peers in school and in their neighborhoods. Although the majority of these relationships with peers provide positive social experiences, for some youth, some relationships may also involve victimization. Many assaults experienced by youth happen within interpersonal relationships, including in friendships and with romantic partners, with one in every four assaults committed by youth occurring in a domestic relationship (i.e., family members, intimate partners) (Snyder & McCurley, 2008). Abuse in dating relationships is an all too frequent occurrence, with 1 in 10 teenage relationships involving violence (Mulford & Giordano, 2008). This latter type of victimization is often described as teen dating violence (Mulford & Giordano, 2008; Offenhauer & Buchalter, 2011) and can include controlling behaviors, physical, verbal, psychological/emotional, and sexual abuse (Holt & Espelage, 2005; Offenhauer & Buchalter, 2011). The rates of teen dating violence in middle and high school are substantial. One school-based study of 9th -12th graders found a rate of 8.7% for physical dating violence, and another nationally representative study found a 1-year incidence rate of 3.6% for 13 to 17 year olds (Hamby, Finkelhor, & Turner, 2012). While both males and females experience teen dating violence, the exact nature of the violence tends to vary by gender. About one in four girls experience sexual and physical abuse (Latta & Goodman, 2011), while boys report experiencing high amounts of psychological abuse (Molidor, 1995). Therefore, it is essential to provide information to adolescents about healthy dating relationships to reduce the incidence of teen dating violence, including sexual, physical, and mental abuse that young people may experience in unhealthy dating relationships.
The experience of dating violence has consequences for the overall well-being of students. These experiences also challenge a student's ability to be successful in school. Negative ramifications of teen dating violence include mental health problems, low academic achievement, and aggressive conflict-management (Offenhauer & Buchalter, 2011). Research has also found that girls who are victims of violence in relationships are at risk of increased discipline problems at school (Vézina & Hébert, 2007). These consequences extend beyond externalizing symptoms. Psychological symptoms of dating violence can include feelings of incompetence, anxiety, paranoia, severe depression, isolation from family and friends, and guilt and self-blame (Molidor, 1995). There can also be long-term consequences of dating violence, which can include isolation and emotional/interpersonal withholding of support as well as continued experiences with abuse such as constant harassment and degradation (Molidor, 1995). These adverse outcomes highlight the importance of implementing policies that address dating violence as a precursor to ensuring the well-being of students and supporting their educational opportunities.
Appropriate prevention efforts can reduce the risk of abuse and victimization for adolescents, and can contribute to their healthier development and overall well-being. However, policies and programs developed to meet the needs of young people who are victims of teen dating violence must be based on research, data, and best practices. Additionally, advocating for policy changes and funding to support school-implemented programs requires that there is solid empirical justification advocating the effectiveness of such prevention programs. Taken together, it is essential to gain a better understanding of the effectiveness of dating violence prevention programs implemented in schools, and this review aims to do this.
Language: en |