2-041 - Traditional and New Media in the Etiology and Prevention of Interpersonal Violence During Adolescence

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

Cultivating skills for healthy romantic relationships and intimacy are central developmental tasks during adolescence. However, many relationships during adolescence are tumultuous and even violent. Interpersonal violence, including bullying, dating violence, and sexual harassment, have negative effects on adolescents’ physical and mental health. In this symposia, we explore problematic messages adolescents may learn from a variety of media about romantic relationships, examine the role of digital media in negotiating these relationships, and present ways in which prevention can target these issues. Our first paper uses the Abuse Litmus Test to assess relationship power and control in three popular films: Beauty and the Beast, Twilight, and Fifty Shades of Grey. We argue that the common binary portrayal of heterosexual relationships may be problematic because it presents a power imbalance within the couple as essential for romance. Our second paper examines whether accepting these sexual scripts mediates connections between media use and acceptance of interpersonal violence. Findings indicate that heavier media exposure is associated with stronger acceptance of rigid sexual scripts, which, in turn, are linked to greater support of dating violence and perpetration of relational aggression. Findings from our third paper show that girls report being coerced and harassed into sexting, whereas boys are more likely to report positive sexting experiences. Our final paper explores adolescents’ assessments of violence prevention programming. Findings suggest that tools which promote digital citizenship to combat online harassment, and youth-led delivery of such programming are promising next steps for the prevention of interpersonal relationship violence during adolescence.

Sub Unit

• Dating and Romantic Relationships

Chair

• Megan K. Maas, Michigan State University

Individual Presentations

• Love Hurts: Power and Control Imbalances in the ‘Tale as Old as Time’ - Presenting Author: Megan K. Maas, Michigan State University; Amy Bonomi, Michigan State University; Heather McCauley, Michigan State University

• Is That Appropriate Boyfriend Behavior? Media Use and Beliefs About Interpersonal Violence - Presenting Author: L. Monique Ward, University of Michigan; Lauren A. Reed, Arizona State University; Richard Tolman, University of Michigan

• It’s All Fun and Games Until Someone Gets Hurt: Coercive Sexting in Adolescent Dating Relationships - Presenting Author: Lauren A. Reed, Arizona State University; Meg Boyer, University of California, Santa Barbara; Haley Meskunas, University of California, Santa Barbara; Richard Tolman, University of Michigan

• The Athletes Take Action program: Project Description and Acceptability Data - Presenting Author: Emily A Waterman, Pennsylvania State University; Lindsey Faussette, Centre County Women's Resource Center; Ruth Williamson, Centre County Women's Resource Center