Thoughts and feelings about the reality of dating violence in Spanish adolescents

Abstract

Background: The relation between adolescent dating violence and lifestyle is important to consider because of the serious consequences for adolescents, primarily relating with health and psychological problems. The aim of this study was to determine the level of self-perceived abuse and the feelings of fear and entrapment that exist among adolescents in a dating relationship. Methods: The sample consisted of 1325 adolescents (53.1% female; SD=.5) of 12-16 years in age (M=13.7; SD = 1.1). Two questionnaires were applied: CUVINO (Dating Violence Questionnaire) and adolescents lifestyles. The 42 items are clustered into eight factors that represent eight forms of abuse in dating relationships: In our study, alpha values ranged between .61 – in the Instrumental Violence factor – and .80 – in the Humiliation factor. Findings: Results showed that 83% of participants did not feel abused by their boyfriend or girlfriend; yet, 13.2% reported having been afraid and 29.7% reported having felt trapped in the relationship at some point. Although physical violence was not commonly endorsed, there were instances when adolescents reported slapping their partners; these episodes were usually out of frustration related to suspicions of cheating. Also, the results show that adolescents who use drugs and alcohol are more violent behavior toward their partners (.632). Discussion: In relationships where there is ongoing violence and substance use, more targeted programs may be necessary. Given the association of these experiences, it will be important to change the current practice of health programming to raise awareness among teens of how risks are interrelated.