Sexual Minority Status as a Moderator Between Social Factors and Teen Dating Violence Victimization

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Research on intimate partner violence (IPV) among adults has grown tremendously; however, only a fraction has addressed IPV among sexual minorities. Even fewer studies have addressed teen dating violence (TDV), despite evidence showing that sexual minority youth (SMY) are at an increased risk for TDV compared to heterosexual youth. Due to increased potential for mental health problems and partner violence victimization in adulthood, more research is needed to understand differences in rates and risk factors for TDV. The present study examined relationships between known risk factors and TDV victimization (TDVV) among heterosexual and SMY, using a national longitudinal sample of youth (N = 7552). It was predicted that individuals in a same-sex relationship would report more TDVV and that sexual minority status would serve as a moderator between social factors (i.e., parent connectedness, school connectedness, and youth violence victimization) and TDVV. Results demonstrated that males in a same-sex relationship reported higher levels of severe TDVV, but not total TDVV, compared to females. Results of moderator analyses suggested that adolescents in a same-sex relationship, who reported low levels of school connectedness, also reported higher levels of TDVV compared to heterosexual peers.

Authors

• Katherine Alvord Fox, University of Houston

• Jessica Klement Davis, University of Houston

• John P. Vincent, University of Houston