Dating Violence Victimization and Substance Use: An Examination using General Strain Theory

• In Event: Posters I

Abstract

Agnew’s general strain theory is one of the most frequently examined and empirically validated theories in criminology. In focusing on negative interactions with others, the theory posits that strain produces negative affect states which leads to deviant or criminal coping. Prior research has identified victimization as a strain, a type of noxious stimuli, which is significantly related to crime and deviance. We build on this literature by examining the relationship between dating violence victimization and substance use. The data for the current study are the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), a sample of adolescents in grades 7-12 that is nationally representative. The focus of the current research is on young adults so we examine data from Waves III and IV of the Add Health study. Dating Violence victimization is based on a revised version of the Conflict Tactics Scale, our measure of negative affect is a modified version of the CESD, and we look at binge drinking and marijuana use. We also estimate regression models separately for males and females. In general, the analysis shows that dating violence victimization increases the risk for negative affect and also substance use.

Authors

• Alexis Yohros, University of Central Florida

• Corey Pomykacz, University of Central Florida

• Jason Ford, University of Central Florida