Teen Dating Violence Linked to Future Adverse Outcomes, Especially in Female Victims

The effects of violence in teen dating relationships often last beyond the current involvement of the two partners. The article “Long-Term Adverse Outcomes Associated with Teen Dating Violence” offers a systematic review of the associations between dating violence occurring during adolescence and specific long-term adverse outcomes. Overall, the evidence review, which will be published in the June 2023 issue of Pediatrics (published online May 1) shows adolescents involved in violent relationships are more likely to experience negative patterns and behaviors in the future – most notably a re-occurrence of violence in intimate relationships. Thirty-eight studies, mostly conducted in the U.S., involving 23 unique samples were analyzed. Four health outcomes were evaluated over an extended period in relation to teen dating violence: re-occurrence of violence in intimate relationships (18 studies), mental health (14 studies), physical health (3 studies), and high-risk behaviors (12 studies) such as marijuana and alcohol use. Authors of the study say significant associations between these violent dating relationships and negative impacts were reported more frequently among females than males. The adverse outcomes apply to teens who were the victims of violence and the ones who inflicted it but are more common among those who reported being the victim. There was unclear evidence on the longitudinal link between teen dating violence and suicidal attempts. Researchers say this review further highlights the importance of prevention programs for dating violence among adolescents. They say prevention programs have demonstrated efficacy in reducing harmful actions.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.