Violence exposure and teen dating violence among African American youth

J Interpers Violence. 2015 Jul;30(12):2174-95. doi: 10.1177/0886260514552271. Epub 2014 Oct 6.

Abstract

This study examines the relationships between exposure to violence in the community, school, and family with dating violence attitudes and behaviors among 175 urban African American youth. Age, gender, state support and experiences with neglect, school violence, and community violence were the most significant predictors of acceptance of dating violence. Experiences with community violence and age were important predictors of dating violence perpetration and victimization. Findings highlight the importance of planning prevention programs that address variables affecting attitudes and behaviors of high-risk youth who have already been exposed to multiple types of violence.

Keywords: child abuse; community violence; dating violence; domestic violence; violence exposure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Black or African American / psychology*
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data
  • Courtship / psychology*
  • Crime Victims / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Peer Group
  • Psychology, Adolescent
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Violence / psychology*