(PS10-67) Family Dynamics, Individual Factors, and Partner Interaction in Teenager Dating Violence

Background: Adolescent dating violence has been linked to emotion regulation challenges, with parental aggression increasing the risk of later perpetration or victimization. Partner interaction patterns, jealousy, and attitudes toward violence also play significant roles. This study examines which factor among family dynamics (parent-child aggression), individual traits (attitudes toward dating violence, jealousy), and partner interactions (demand-withdrawal patterns) is most strongly associated with dating violence perpetration and victimization.

Methods: A total of 209 adolescent couples (n = 418), aged 14 to 18 (M = 17.1 years), were recruited from New York City and Jersey City. The Safe Dates Physical Dating Abuse Scale measured physical aggression, while the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (CADRI) assessed sexual abuse perpetration and victimization. The Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale (CTSPC) and Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) measured parent-child aggression. The Attitudes About Aggression in Dating Situations (AADS) assessed beliefs about dating aggression, and jealousy was measured using the Multidimensional Jealousy Scale. Demand-withdrawal patterns were observed in problem-solving tasks where one partner displayed demanding behavior while the other withdrew. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to assess model fit through the Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), and chi-square tests.

Results: Jealousy was the strongest predictor of both perpetration and victimization, particularly for verbal and physical aggression. Parent-child aggression was significantly associated with all forms of dating violence, supporting the intergenerational transmission of violence. Demand-withdrawal communication patterns predicted physical victimization, suggesting that conflict-heavy relationships increase vulnerability to abuse. In contrast, negative attitudes toward dating violence acted as a protective factor, reducing both perpetration and victimization.

Conclusion: These findings emphasize communication patterns, jealousy, and early family aggression as key contributors to dating violence. Prevention efforts should focus on conflict resolution, addressing jealousy, and promoting non-aggressive beliefs. Future research should explore gender differences and long-term effects for deeper insights.