اثرات قدمت خشونت، مصرف مواد و رفتارهای جنسی پرخطر در میان یک نمونه متنوع از جوانان ایلینوی

This study examines the relationship between dating violence, forced sexual intercourse (FSI), and four measures of sexual risk taking (i.e., age at first sex, number of recent (within the last three months) sex partners, alcohol/drug use at last sex, and condom use at last sex) among a sample of 1124 ethnically diverse sexually active adolescents in Illinois. Given conflicting reports regarding the role of gender in dating violence, and the dearth of research examining the role of gender in relations between dating violence, sexual violence, and sexual risk taking, we also examine whether gender moderates the relation between these constructs. The findings indicate significant relationships among dating violence and FSI and age at first sex, number of sexual partners, and condom use across various ethnic groups. Findings also show that when controlling for gender, dating violence and FSI are related to number of sexual partners and age at first intercourse regardless of ethnic group identification.

Adolescent dating violence has received increased attention as a significant health concern within U.S. communities. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between adolescent dating violence, forced sexual intercourse, and sexual risk taking and to also better understand the role of gender and ethnic group identification as it relates to these constructs. Dating violence has been defined as the perpetration or threat of an act of violence by at least one member of an unmarried couple on the other member within the context of a dating courtship (Saltzman et al., 1999 and Sugarman and Hotaling, 1989). Among adolescents, dating violence is said to begin around ages 15 or 16. For younger girls, acts of pushing, verbal threats, and hitting may be seen as signs of affection and love. Younger girls who are dating older boys may especially interpret these violent acts as examples of a deeper commitment to the relationship that will result in long-term positive benefits (Wekerle & Wolfe, 1999). The prevalence rates of dating violence among adolescents have ranged from approximately 9–46% with adolescent males and females involved either as victims or perpetrators (Glass et al., 2003).