Applying an Intergenerational Lens to the Associations Between Childhood Intimate Partner Violence Exposure, Child Maltreatment, and Adolescent Dating Violence Perpetration

Abstract

Reports estimate that approximately 35 percent of U.S. adolescents have dated or are currently dating, making the fact that over a third of those youth have reported experiencing some form of adolescent dating violence (ADV) in their relationships, incredibly concerning. An estimated 31 percent (~4.5 million) of dating youth report perpetrating ADV and 35 percent (~5.1 million) report ADV victimization. Childhood exposure to intimate partner violence (eIPV) and child maltreatment have both been linked with the experience of ADV, however, results vary greatly across studies, particularly regarding ADV perpetration. This study is additive by improving upon ADV measurement limitations from past studies, considering co-occurring child maltreatment and eIPV as a predictor of ADV, and drawing from theory in the selection of protective factors. Applying social learning theory and the intergenerational transmission of violence model, this study examines the mediating effect of dating violence acceptability on the links between childhood eIPV, child maltreatment, and ADV perpetration using structural equation modeling. Preliminary findings indicate significant relations between co-occurrence (child maltreatment & eIPV) and ADV, as well as eIPV alone and ADV. Mediation by youth acceptability of dating violence was not identified. The results of this study provide additional evidence of significant relations between childhood violence exposures and ADV perpetration, and higher prevalence rates of all violence types than previously found in the literature, emphasizing the need for prevention and intervention.