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Acculturation, Risk Behaviors and Physical Dating Violence Victimization Among Cuban-American Adolescents
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to describe the relationships among acculturation, risk behaviors, and reported physical dating violence among Cuban-American ninth grade adolescents. Participants (N=82) completed a questionnaire that assessed their level of acculturation to the U.S. (Americanism), their maintenance of the Hispanic culture (Hispanicism), binge drinking, drug use, sexual intercourse, condom use and physical dating violence victimization. Multiple logistic regression was conducted. Hispanicism was associated with a decrease in odds of reporting physical dating violence victimization. Drug use and not using a condom were associated with an increase in odds of reporting physical dating violence victimization.
... Researchers have identified a range of factors that may influence the lower rates of reporting for Latinx women. Gender role adherence, acculturation, family relationships, and immigration status appear to be the most significant predictors of whether or not Latinx women report experiencing sexual violence (Adames & Campbell, 2005;Cuevas & Sabina, 2010;Estrada-Martínez et al., 2011;Gonzalez-Guarda et al., 2014). Evidence suggests that, among Latinx women, traditional gender role adherence correlates with a lower likelihood of reporting sexual violence (Adames & Campbell, 2005;Cuevas & Sabina, 2010). ...
... This gender adherence includes socialized risk-reduction such as staying close to home or not going out alone. Researchers have found that among Latinx youth that higher quality family relationships moderate the risk of experiencing or perpetrating partner violence (Estrada-Martínez et al., 2011;Gonzalez-Guarda et al., 2014). Decker et al. (2007) found that immigration status was associated with an increased risk of sexual assault revictimization. ...
... Decker et al. (2007) found that immigration status was associated with an increased risk of sexual assault revictimization. Relatedly, a substantial body of research indicates that acculturation level is a significant predictor for Latinx women experiencing sexual violence (Gonzalez-Guarda et al., 2014;Sabina et al., 2013;Sabina et al., 2015). Scholars define acculturation as the amount of change to one's attitudes and behaviors that occur based on contact with another culture (Soriano et al., 2004). ...
This article is a critical feminist study focusing on illustrating how college students who identify as Latinx and women perceive barriers to help-seeking should they experience sexual violence. With this study, we address a gap in the research on help-seeking after sexual assault. The majority of research on this topic focuses on the experiences of European American women and is based on survey data. This study focuses on the perceptions and experiences of Latinx women attending a large, state institution. For data collection, we conducted focus groups and individual interviews. We used grounded theory methods for the data analysis, which resulted in the emergence of one primary category, avoiding shame, and two subcategories (prioritizing the family and prizing virginity). The findings from this study demonstrate how the study participants view prioritizing the family and prizing virginity as barriers to seeking help for sexual assault. These barriers protect the women and their families from experiencing shame. We conclude the article with practice and research implications grounded in the results of this study.
... Gender and ethnic based disparities for DV among Hispanic females in adolescence may be further compounded by culturally-based gender norms, immigration and acculturation related issues. These factors may serve as additional barriers in accessing social and health care services that can ultimately help identify and address DV (Denham et al., 2007;Gonzalez-Guarda, Williams, Merisier, Cummings, & Prado, 2014;Ingram, 2007). Although several dating violence prevention programs targeting adolescents have been found to be effective, they typically have not considered the risk or protective factors that may be unique to the Hispanic population (Malhotra, Gonzalez-Guarda, & Mitchell, 2015) and the experiences of DV and help-seeking behaviors in this community. ...
... More research is needed to understand the manner in which cultural values and beliefs of late adolescent Hispanic females intersect with dating relationships and DV. Past quantitative research including Hispanic female adolescents suggests that immigrant status and stronger Hispanic values may be protective against DV for Hispanics, and that engaging in risky sexual behaviors and drug use may increase risk (Gonzalez-Guarda et al., 2014;Silverman Decker, & Raj, 2007). However, the manner in which these risk and protective factors play a role in the experiences of DV among late adolescent Hispanic females has not been extensively examined through research with this population. ...
... The Spanish-speaking participants of this study perceived their experiences as an immigrant to be a risk factor and, for some, a consequence of DV. This contradicts quantitative research suggesting tat individuals that are less acculturated and immigrants are protected against DV (Gonzalez-Guarda et al., 2014;Silverman et al., 2007). It may be that the participants of this study did not have the protective features associated with being an immigrant and lower levels of acculturation that were inherent in the other samples of adolescents included in previous research. ...
Hispanic females in their late adolescence appear to be disproportionately affected by dating violence, yet the majority of victims never seek out formal services. The purpose of this study was to explore the dating violence and help-seeking experiences of Hispanic females in their late adolescence. Participants were recruited from a social service agency providing wrap-around services to individuals and families affected by abuse in South Florida. Eleven in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with Hispanic female victims of dating violence in their late adolescence (18 to 24 years of age) in English or Spanish. A thematic analysis of transcripts identified four major themes: (a) conflict, culture, and context influences Hispanic couples; (b) missed opportunities to accessing help; (c) pivotal moments are needed to access formal services; and (d) family matters. Participants of this study believed that dating violence was more normative in Hispanic relationships than "American" relationships. Although participants had opportunities to seek formal services early in their relationships, formal services were only sought after pivotal moments. Families played an important role in supporting or further victimizing the participants. Findings from this study can be used to inform interventions addressing both informal and formal sources of support for Hispanic female victims of dating violence in their late adolescence.
... This suggests that risks to Latino youth growing up in the United States can be mitigated by a bicultural orientation inclusive of enculturation, the process of retaining and maintaining positive values from their original cultural orientation (Nguyen and Benet-Martínez 2013;Unger 2014). The limited literature exploring the linkage between acculturation and intimate partner violence indicates that Latino ethnic identity and more involvement in one's culture of origin can be protective elements against violence (DuPont- Reyes et al. 2015;Gonzalez-Guarda et al. 2014;Smokowski et al. 2009). ...
... However, there were no gender differences in these relationships in our second model, which introduced a gender interaction. Nonetheless, these results emphasize the protective element of retaining Hispanic culture, a concept discussed in prior literature (DuPont-Reyes et al. 2015;Gonzalez-Guarda et al. 2014;Schwartz et al. 2010;Smokowski et al. 2009). Intimate partner violence prevention and intervention approaches should emphasize the protective elements of retaining Hispanic cultural values. ...
Despite the prevalence of intimate partner violence in emerging adulthood, literature focused on this life stage among Latinos remains limited. This longitudinal study examined acculturation; traditional gender role attitudes; use of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco; and depressive symptoms in 10th grade as predictors of intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization among Latino emerging adults (N = 823; 58% female). Average age of participants was 15.5 years in 10th grade and 22.7 years in emerging adulthood. The results indicate important gender differences in intimate partner violence outcomes for Latino emerging adults. Higher U.S. acculturation predicted physical intimate partner violence perpetration among young men. More traditional gender role attitudes were significantly associated with psychological and physical intimate partner violence perpetration among male Latino emerging adults. Among Latinas, alcohol use in 10th grade predicted psychological perpetration and victimization in emerging adulthood. The findings have implications for developing gender- and ethnic-relevant prevention interventions focused on intimate partner violence among Latino adolescents and emerging adults.
... The small body of research that has examined dating violence among Latino youth, none of which has examined typologies of involvement, has almost exclusively focused on identifying predictors of physical victimization, limiting understanding of how different forms of victimization and perpetration may overlap. In fact, to our knowledge, only one previous study has examined dating violence perpetration behavior in this population (Gonzalez-Guarda et al. 2014). That study, which assessed a small sample (n = 82) of Cuban-American youth, found that boys and girls reported similar rates of psychological (40% of boys; 46% of girls) and physical/sexual perpetration (assessed using a composite measure; 40% of boys; 42% of girls). ...
... Acculturation conflict refers to family conflict that emerges when the children of immigrant parents adopt the cultural norms and values of mainstream society at faster rates than their parents (Marsiglia et al. 2009). Although limited, research with Latino youth suggests that acculturation indicators (e.g., being born in the US, speaking English at home, lower levels of Hispanicism) and acculturation conflict are associated with increased risk of experiencing and/or engaging in dating violence (Gonzalez-Guarda et al. 2014;Malhotra et al. 2015;Smokowski et al. 2009a). Explanations for these linkages include the notions that: (1) assimilating youth may adopt behaviors (e.g., substance use) tolerated (or endorsed) by the host society that increase risk for dating violence; (2) retention of culture-of-origin identity by parents and teens may contribute to positive mental health outcomes (e.g., self-esteem, ethnic pride) and beliefs (e.g., belief in the importance of family; conservative attitudes toward dating and sex) that lower risk of involvement in dating violence; and (3) acculturation conflict may precipitate individual and family stress that leads adolescents to engage in risk behaviors that increase risk for dating violence (Malhotra et al. 2015;Smokowski et al. 2009b;Guilamo-Ramos et al. 2009). ...
Theory and research suggest that there may be significant heterogeneity in the development, manifestation, and consequences of adolescent dating violence that is not yet well understood. The current study contributed to our understanding of this heterogeneity by identifying distinct patterns of involvement in psychological, physical, and sexual dating violence victimization and perpetration in a sample of Latino youth (n = 201; M = 13.87 years; 42% male), a group that is understudied, growing, and at high risk for involvement in dating violence. Among both boys and girls, latent class analyses identified a three-class solution wherein the largest class demonstrated a low probability of involvement in dating violence across all indices (“uninvolved”; 56% of boys, 64% of girls) and the smallest class demonstrated high probability of involvement in all forms of dating violence except for sexual perpetration among girls and physical perpetration among boys (“multiform aggressive victims”; 10% of boys, 11% of girls). A third class of “psychologically aggressive victims” was identified for which there was a high probability of engaging and experiencing psychological dating violence, but low likelihood of involvement in physical or sexual dating violence (34% of boys, 24% of girls). Cultural (parent acculturation, acculturation conflict), family (conflict and cohesion) and individual (normative beliefs, conflict resolution skills, self-control) risk and protective factors were associated with class membership. Membership in the multiform vs. the uninvolved class was concurrently associated with emotional distress among girls and predicted emotional distress longitudinally among boys. The results contribute to understanding heterogeneity in patterns of involvement in dating violence among Latino youth that may reflect distinct etiological processes.
... Y OUTH WHO USE ALCOHOL, tobacco, and marijuana face serious social, emotional, educational, and vocational problems (Castellanos et al., 2016;Gonzalez-Guarda et al., 2014), and those who engage in polydrug use are particularly prone to drug use disorders in adulthood (Moss et al., 2014). Although drug use is an avoidable cause of these serious problems, not all youth use drugs at the same rate or require the same interventions. ...
Objective:
This trial tested the efficacy of a smartphone application (app) designed to prevent drug use among Hispanic youth.
Method:
Participants were recruited through online advertising and youth service agencies. The baseline sample (N = 644) had a mean age of 14.1 years, was primarily female (60%), and resided in 31 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Youth assented to study participation and received parental permission to participate. Youth were randomly assigned to an intervention arm or a measurement-only control arm. Intervention-arm youth completed 10 prevention program sessions via a smartphone app. Following intervention delivery, all youth completed posttest and 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-up measures.
Results:
Analyzed within an Arm by Time interaction model, follow-up data showed that compared with control-arm youth, intervention-arm youth reported (a) less increase in alcohol use from baseline to 2-year follow-up; (b) less increase in marijuana use from baseline to 2- and 3-year follow-ups; and (c) less increase in polydrug use from baseline to 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-ups. Compared with youth in the control arm, intervention-arm youth reported (a) less depressed mood and improved skills for refusing offers of alcohol and tobacco at posttest; (b) higher self-efficacy and social self-efficacy at 1-, 2-, and 3-year follow-ups; (c) improved skills for refusing offers of marijuana at 2- and 3-year follow-ups; (d) higher media literacy at 2- and 3-year follow-ups; and (e) better coping skills at 3-year follow-up.
Conclusions:
These longitudinal findings suggest that Hispanic youth can profit from tailored, skills-based content delivered via a smartphone app to prevent drug use.
... In relation to substances use, the results are consistent with several previous studies that examined the relationship of victimization with the consumption of alcohol and marijuana (Gonzalez-Guarda, Williams, Merisier, Cummings, & Prado, 2014;Haynie et al., 2013;Johnson et al, 2017;Martz et al., 2016;Parker, Bradshaw, Debnam, Milam, & Furr-Holden, 2015;Reyes, Foshee, Bauer, & Ennett, 2012;Shorey, McNulty, Moore, & Stuart, 2016). is research, also found a statistically signicant inverse correlation with the age at which alcoholic drinks were consumed the rst time. ...
Objective. To examine the relation between a set of variables with dating violence victimization, among 811 adolescents from 12 to 19 years old, attending various educational institutions from two intermediate Colombian cities. Method. e Spanish versions of the Conict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (CADRI), the self-report of the Behavior Assessment System for Children and Adolescents (BASC-S3), the SCL-90-R Checklist of Symptoms, and a self-report questionnaire of psychological variables were used. Correlational analysis and a multiple linear regression were implemented. Results. e frequency of abuse received correlated signicantly (p ≤ 0.05) with clinical variables including somatization, depression and anxiety, substance use, suicide attempts and general clinical maladjustment, personality traits such as sensation seeking and atypicality and with contextual variables such as school maladjustment, negative attitude toward school, family physical abuse, paternal and maternal neglect and bad relationships with parents. All these variables explained 18.1% of victimization variance. Marijuana use, some psychopathological symptoms, and poor maternal relationships signicantly predicted such victimization. Conclusion. e victimization could be related to severe physical and mental health difficulties, as well as intrapersonal and contextual variables which should be considered together for the successful intervention of the victims, including their families and the school environment.
... Los comportamientos de riesgo en adolescentes tienden a agruparse, de tal manera que los adolescentes que tienen alguna conducta de riesgo como el inicio temprano de las relaciones sexuales, también pueden involucrarse en otros comportamientos de riesgos, que los hacen más vulnerables a experimentar violencia en sus relaciones de pareja, ya sea como agresor o como víctima 13 .Estudios internacionales han identificado la asociación entre comportamientos sexuales de riesgo y la VRP, especialmente en el caso de adolescentes mujeres, planteando la necesidad de programas preventivos 11,14,15,16 . En nuestro país no se han encontrado estudios que abordar estas dos temáticas en su conjunto. ...
Objetivo
Analizar la edad de inicio sexual y su asociación a variables de salud sexual y violencia en la relación de pareja (VRP) en adolescentes chilenos.
Métodos
Estudio transversal y analítico. La muestra se obtuvo de base de datos con representación nacional. Se realizó análisis de regresión logística múltiple controlando por edad y grupo socioeconómico y estratificando por sexo para determinar asociación entre las variables.
Resultados
En mujeres, el inicio sexual temprano (antes de los 15 años) aumenta en 0,85 veces el riesgo de embarazo no planificado (OR: 1,85; IC95%: 1,08 – 3,15). En hombres el inicio sexual temprano aumenta en 2.33 veces el riego de no usar anticonceptivo en la primera relación sexual (OR: 3,33; IC95%: 1,85 – 6,01) y 4.33 veces de tener 2 y más parejas sexuales durante los últimos 12 meses (OR: 5,33; IC95%: 3,25 – 8,75). La prevalencia de VRP fue 10%, siendo la violencia psicológica la más frecuente en hombres y en mujeres. En las mujeres, la edad de inicio sexual temprano aumenta 5,72 veces el riesgo de violencia física (OR: 6,72; IC95%: 2,52 – 17,87) y 7,82 veces violencia psicológica (OR: 8,82; IC95%: 4,10 – 19,0). Las adolescentes que presentan un inicio temprano de actividad sexual, muestran más frecuencia de prácticas de control y abuso hacia su pareja, en comparación con los hombres.
Conclusiones
El inicio sexual temprano y la VRP existen con una frecuencia preocupante, existiendo asociación entre ambas, en especial en mujeres, lo que aumenta el riesgo para la salud en general. Es necesaria la capacitación de los equipos de salud y educación e implementación de estrategias integrales que contribuyan a promover la salud y bienestar de los adolescentes.
... The participants of this study have been described elsewhere (Gonzalez-Guarda, Williams, Merisier, Cummings, & Prado, 2014). The sample consisted of a predominately Cuban American sample of female (56%, n = 46) and male (44%, n = 36) adolescents between the age of 13 and 16 (M = 14.34, ...
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a dating violence (DV) prevention program for Cuban American adolescents (JOVEN/YOUTH: Juntos Opuestos a la Violence Entre Novios/Together Against Dating Violence). A randomized-controlled experimental design with a delayed condition was used to evaluate the effects on DV victimization and perpetration (N = 82). Self-administrated assessments were completed at baseline, 1 week, 3 months, and 12 months after the intervention to assess for psychological victimization and perpetration and physical and sexual victimization and perpetration. Effect sizes were estimated, and generalized estimating equations were generated to test intervention effects over time and potential gender interactions. The intervention had medium to strong effects on DV victimization and perpetration for male participants but not for females. However, intervention effects were not statistically significant over time. More research is needed to enhance intervention effects of JOVEN on DV outcomes and to evaluate these effects among a larger and more diverse sample.
© The Author(s) 2015.
Despite theoretical and empirical evidence suggesting that the family environment plays a central role in Latino youth development, relatively little is known about how family processes influence dating violence victimization among Latino adolescents. To address this gap in the literature, we used data from 210 Latino parents and their 13- to 15-year-old adolescents to examine associations between several different family processes, including both parenting practices (parent monitoring, parent–adolescent communication) and aspects of the family relational climate (family cohesion, family conflict, acculturation conflict) and psychological, physical, and sexual dating violence victimization. Consistent with expectations, lower levels of family cohesion and higher levels of family and acculturation conflict were associated with risk for dating violence victimization, although associations varied depending on victimization type. In contrast, neither parental monitoring nor parent–adolescent communica...
Despite their widespread use across clinical and research settings, no study has yet investigated the fit of several standard alcohol measures for Hispanic youth, including those used to assess motivation to change, self-efficacy, peer norms, and problem drinking. This study thus served to address this gap by evaluating measurement invariance with substance-using youth.
We enrolled a large sample of regular substance-using youth who were involved with the justice system (N=368; 72.9% male; 76.9% Hispanic; M age=16.17years). Similar to the broader Hispanic population of the southwest United States (U.S.), Hispanic youth in the sample were on average 3.5th generation (with at least 1 foreign-born grand-parent). Following standard administration and scoring procedures, all youth completed measures of motivation to change (e.g., readiness rulers, intentions to change), self-efficacy (e.g., drink refusal in social situations), peer norms (e.g., peer norms for substance use), and problem drinking (e.g., substance use quantity/frequency; Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test; Rutgers Alcohol Problems Index; Timeline FollowBack). Measurement equivalence was evaluated via multiple group confirmatory factor analysis.
Our results indicated that each measure evaluated herein worked equally well for Hispanic and Caucasian youth. We found measurement invariance at every level tested.
This study supports the validity and future use of these important and widely-used alcohol use measures for high-risk substance-using Hispanic youth. Further, given the representativeness of this sample within the southwestern U.S., these results show promise for generalizability to U.S.-born Hispanic youth within this geographic region.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Little is known about contributors to positive social, behavioral, and emotional adjustment among foreign-born youth at different stages of adapting to life in the United States. Using baseline data from the Adolescent Latino Acculturation Study (N = 217), this article examines the effects of time in residency on parent adjustment, family stress, parenting practices, and youth behavioral and socioemotional outcomes among Latino immigrant parents and youth (Grades 6 to 10) who have lived in the United States between 1 and 12 years. Results of cross-sectional analyses show that immigrant families with less time in residency may experience higher levels of distress that diminish in intensity over time and that youth problem behaviors increase and academic outcomes worsen with increased exposure to life in U.S. society. Time in residency, parent adjustment, and parenting practices each demonstrated unique and unmediated effects on youth outcomes. Results highlight specific vulnerabilities for families in states with emerging immigrant populations that often have few supports for the successful integration of recent immigrant families.
This article reports the development ofa bidimensional acculturation scaleforHispanics (BAS). The scale provides an acculturation score for two major cultural dimensions (Hispanic and non-Hispanic domains) by including 12 items (per cultural domain) that measure three language-related areas. A random sample of 254 adult Hispanics was surveyed to develop and validate the scale. The scores obtained with the BAS show high internal consistency and high validity coefficients. The scale works well with Mexican Americans and with Central Americans.
This study assesses the relationship between adolescents' dating violence victimization and their psychological well-being. The participants were 190high school students, ages 13 to 19 years, with just over half being boys (53%) and the remainder being girls (47%). Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. For girls, increasing levels of dating violence (severity, frequency, injury) were related to higher levels of post-traumatic stress and dissociation, even after controlling for demographic, family violence, and social desirability variables. For boys, the levels of victimization were related to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress, even after controlling for other variables. For both boys and girls, victimization was related to lower levels of life satisfaction, but not after controlling for the demographic, family violence, and social desirability variables. The research questions and findings are discussed in relation to the developmental challenges faced by adolescents.
Adolescent dating violence is an important juncture in the developmental pathway to adult partnership violence. As a window of opportunity for positive change, the present review considers the theoretical and empirical work on adolescent dating and dating violence. A consideration of the scope of the problem, developmental processes, and theoretical formulations precede a review of six relationship violence prevention programs designed for and delivered to youth. Five programs are school-based and one operates in the community. Prevention is targeted toward both universal (e.g., all high school students) and selected adolescent populations (e.g., youths with histories of maltreatment, or problems with peer aggression). Programs addressed specific skills and knowledge that oppose the use of violent and abusive behavior toward intimate partners; one program addressed interpersonal violence more generally, and was also included in this review because of its implications for dating violence initiatives. Positive changes were found across studies in violence-related attitudes and knowledge, also, positive gains were noted in self-reported perpetration of dating violence, with less consistent evidence in self-reported victimization. However, these findings should be considered preliminary due to limited follow-up and generalizability. Conceptual and methodological issues are discussed with a view toward improving assessment methods and research design.
Coerced or forced sexual initiation and sexual intimate partner violence (sexual IPV) contribute significantly to a woman's risk for HIV infection. This review systematically examines global research (n = 21 studies) published since 2000 on the role of coerced/forced sexual initiation and sexual IPV on HIV risk in women. In predominantly low- and middle-income countries, coerced/forced sexual initiation was associated with HIV/STIs, multiple and high-risk sex partners, and no condom use. Most studies using behaviorally specific terms for sexual IPV found strong associations between sexual IPV and HIV risk behaviors. In contrast, studies using less specific definitions often failed to find these significant associations. To develop more comprehensive HIV prevention programs, future efforts should integrate behaviorally specific terms into assessing prevalence of sexual IPV and its association with HIV risk, consider cultural differences, and identify causal pathways between coerced or forced sexual initiation, HIV risk behaviors and HIV/STI infection.
Little data exist on dating violence experienced by immigrant Hispanic adolescents. The present study examined the relationships between immigration status, language spoken at home, and dating violence experienced by Hispanic adolescent girls in New Mexico. Data from the 2007 New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Surveys were analyzed. Adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted among the full sample of Hispanic females (N = 3,412) and among strata based on immigration status. Immigrant Hispanic girls were as likely as non-immigrant Hispanic girls to have experienced dating violence in the prior year (P = 0.93). Among immigrant Hispanic girls, those who were Non-English-dominant were one-fourth as likely to have experienced dating violence as those immigrant girls who were English-dominant (aOR 0.27 [95% CI 0.08-0.87]). Among US-born Hispanic girls, those who were Non-English-dominant were less likely to have experienced dating violence; however, this value did not reach statistical significance (aOR 0.65 [95% CI 0.33-1.27]). Past sexual experience was a significant risk factor for dating violence for US-born Hispanic girls (aOR 4.99 [95% CI 3.18-7.83]) but not for immigrant Hispanic girls (aOR 1.66 [95% CI 0.63-4.43]). Immigrant status was not found to be protective against dating violence for New Mexico Hispanic girls. However, those immigrant girls who were less acculturated in terms of language used at home were found to have only a quarter of the risk of dating violence as those more acculturated. The use of heritage language by immigrant Hispanic girls may be a protective factor against dating violence. Further studies are indicated to confirm this finding.
Ecodevelopmental theory is a theoretical framework used to explain the interplay among risk and protective processes associated with HIV risk behaviors among adolescents. Although ecodevelopmentally based interventions have been found to be efficacious in preventing HIV risk behaviors among Hispanic youth, this theory has not yet been directly empirically tested through a basic research study in this population. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to empirically evaluate an ecodevelopmentally based model using structural equation modeling, with substance use and early sex initiation as the two outcomes of the ecodevelopmental chain of relationships. The sample consisted of 586 Hispanic youth (M age = 13.6; SD = 0.75) and their primary caregivers living in Miami, Florida. Adolescent, parent, and teacher reports were used. The results provided strong support for the theoretical model. More specifically, the parent-adolescent acculturation gap is indirectly related both to early sex initiation and to adolescent substance use through family functioning, academic functioning, perceived peer sexual behavior, and perceived peer substance use. Additionally, parent's U.S. orientation is associated with adolescent substance use and adolescent sex initiation through social support for parents, parental stressors, family functioning, academic functioning, and perceived peer sexual behavior and substance use. These findings suggest that HIV risk behaviors may best be understood as associated with multiple and interrelated ecological determinants.
The authors test the contention of R. Jessor's (1977) problem behavior theory that adolescent health risk behaviors comprise a single behavioral syndrome. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) and cluster analysis are used to analyze data from a statewide survey of high school students' (n = 5,537) health risk behaviors. A classical MDS analysis was calculated to test the dimensionality of the behaviors. All indicators supported a multidimensional model. An individual-differences MDS (INDSCAL) analysis revealed that a 4-dimensional solution best fit the data, with gender and racial-ethnic differences emerging in the relative salience of the dimensions. The INDSCAL dimensional coordinates for each health risk behavior were then submitted to a hierarchical cluster analysis technique. Five behavioral clusters were identified, 1 of which included many of the traditional "problem behaviors," such as smoking, unprotected sexual intercourse, and alcohol consumption. These findings support a multidimensional structure underlying adolescent health risk behavior. Implications for theory and prevention of health risk behaviors are discussed.
Adolescent dating violence is an important juncture in the developmental pathway to adult partnership violence. As a window of opportunity for positive change, the present review considers the theoretical and empirical work on adolescent dating and dating violence. A consideration of the scope of the problem, developmental processes, and theoretical formulations precede a review of six relationship violence prevention programs designed for and delivered to youth. Five programs are school-based and one operates in the community. Prevention is targeted toward both universal (e.g., all high school students) and selected adolescent populations (e.g., youths with histories of maltreatment, or problems with peer aggression). Programs addressed specific skills and knowledge that oppose the use of violent and abusive behavior toward intimate partners; one program addressed interpersonal violence more generally, and was also included in this review because of its implications for dating violence initiatives. Positive changes were found across studies in violence-related attitudes and knowledge, also, positive gains were noted in self-reported perpetration of dating violence, with less consistent evidence in self-reported victimization. However, these findings should be considered preliminary due to limited follow-up and generalizability. Conceptual and methodological issues are discussed with a view toward improving assessment methods and research design.
This chapter provides an overview of the concept of acculturation and reviews existing evidence about the possible relationships between acculturation and selected health and behavioral outcomes among Latinos. The effect of acculturation on Latino health is complex and not well understood. In certain areas-substance abuse, dietary practices, and birth outcomes-there is evidence that acculturation has a negative effect and that it is associated with worse health outcomes, behaviors, or perceptions. In others-health care use and self-perceptions of health-the effect is mostly in the positive direction. Although the literature, to date, on acculturation lacks some breadth and methodological rigor, the public health significance of findings in areas in which there is enough evidence justifies public health action. We conclude with a set of general recommendations in two areas-public health practice and research-targeted to public health personnel in academia, community-based settings, and government agencies.
This article reviews the literature on risk factors for victimization in romantic relationships of adolescent girls and young adult women. The review includes 61 empirical studies published between 1986 and 2006 that have investigated risk factors for sustained psychological, sexual, and physical violence in romantic relationships of young women ages 12 to 24. An ecological approach is used as a conceptual model to review risk factors into four categories: sociodemographic factors, individual factors (personal and interpersonal), environmental factors (family, community, and peers), and contextual factors (linked to the romantic relationship). Methodological limitations of the studies in terms of measurement issues, samples studied, research designs, and underlying conceptual models are discussed. Finally, implications for prevention programming are considered. Recommendations are presented about which clientele should be targeted, which risk factors should be considered, and when programs should be implemented.
To evaluate the long-term impact of adolescent dating violence (ADV) on behavioral and psychological health.
From a diverse sample of older adolescents who completed Project EAT in 1999 (wave 1) and 2004 (wave 2; mean age 20.4), 23 male and 102 female adolescents reporting ADV were compared with 671 male and 720 female adolescents reporting no ADV.
ADV was positively associated with cigarette smoking and suicide attempts for both sexes, binge-eating and suicidal ideation in male adolescents, and smoking marijuana and high depressive symptoms in female adolescents in analyses unadjusted for wave 1 outcomes. In analyses adjusted for wave 1, in female adolescents, ADV was significantly associated with smoking cigarettes, marijuana use, and high depressive symptoms and marginally associated with suicide attempts; in male adolescents, ADV was significantly associated with smoking cigarettes and marginally associated with binge-eating and suicidal ideation. ADV was significantly associated with an overall high-risk profile (presence > or = 3 health outcomes) for both sexes; results remained significant in female adolescents after adjusting for wave 1.
ADV is associated with greater likelihood of problematic health factors and increases nonspecific risk toward behavioral and psychological impairment in youth, particularly female adolescents.
This study examined the association between sexual relationship power, intimate partner violence, and condom use among African American and Hispanic urban girls. In this sample of 56 sexually active girls, 50% did not use condoms consistently and therefore were at higher risk for acquiring HIV or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Teens who experienced more intimate partner violence had a significantly higher likelihood of inconsistent condom use and therefore a greater risk for HIV/STDs. Girls' sense of sexual control in their relationships was not directly associated with inconsistent condom use but was inversely related to verbal and emotional abuse. Interventions aimed at reducing HIV/STD risk for adolescent girls need to address patterns of dominance and control in adolescent relationships as well as multiple forms of partner violence. This suggests the need for multilevel intervention approaches that promote girls' agency and multiple ways to keep girls safe from perpetrators of partner abuse.
Acculturation measures intend to capture the psychological, behavioral, and attitudinal changes that occur when individuals and groups from different cultures come into continuous contact with each other. This article examines the most prominent theoretical models and assumptions that drive acculturation measures. Examples of Hispanic acculturation measures are used to illustrate how these theoretical foundations are applied in empirical measures. Particular emphasis is given to discussing the strengths and limitations of two bidimensional measures, the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (BAS) and the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-Revised (ARSMA-II). Recommendations for improving these measures are presented. Moving beyond proxy measures, improving the operationalization of acculturation indicators, and incorporating theoretical models, as well as contextual variables, are the key recommendations presented for improving measures of acculturation.
Context Intimate partner violence against women is a major public health concern.
Research among adults has shown that younger age is a consistent risk factor
for experiencing and perpetrating intimate partner violence. However, no representative
epidemiologic studies of lifetime prevalence of dating violence among adolescents
have been conducted.Objective To assess lifetime prevalence of physical and sexual violence from dating
partners among adolescent girls and associations of these forms of violence
with specific health risks.Design, Setting, and Participants Female 9th through 12th-grade students who participated in the 1997
and 1999 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (n = 1977 and 2186, respectively).Main Outcome Measures Lifetime prevalence rates of physical and sexual dating violence and
whether such violence is independently associated with substance use, unhealthy
weight control, sexual risk behavior, pregnancy, and suicidality.Results Approximately 1 in 5 female students (20.2% in 1997 and 18.0% in 1999)
reported being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. After
controlling for the effects of potentially confounding demographics and risk
behaviors, data from both surveys indicate that physical and sexual dating
violence against adolescent girls is associated with increased risk of substance
use (eg, cocaine use for 1997, odds ratio [OR], 4.7; 95% confidence interval
[CI], 2.3-9.6; for 1999, OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.7-6.7), unhealthy weight control
behaviors (eg, use of laxatives and/or vomiting [for 1997, OR, 3.2; 95% CI,
1.8-5.5; for 1999, OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.2-6.5]), sexual risk behaviors (eg,
first intercourse before age 15 years [for 1997, OR, 8.2; 95% CI, 5.1-13.4;
for 1999, OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.4-4.2]), pregnancy (for 1997, OR, 6.3; 95% CI,
3.4-11.7; for 1999, OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.9-7.8), and suicidality (eg, attempted
suicide [for 1997, OR, 7.6; 95% CI, 4.7-12.3; for 1999, OR, 8.6; 95% CI, 5.2-14.4]).Conclusion Dating violence is extremely prevalent among this population, and adolescent
girls who report a history of experiencing dating violence are more likely
to exhibit other serious health risk behaviors.
This study examined dating violence in a racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of high school students to determine what factors or group of factors best predicted inflicting dating violence using a social-learning-theory-based model. Numerous variables belonging to one of three domains were entered into hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Findings revealed that males were more likely to inflict violence against a dating partner when they had witnessed more interparental violence; believed that male-female dating violence was justifiable; used alcohol/drugs; were the recipients of dating violence; and experienced more conflict in their dating relationships. Females were more likely to be violent toward a dating partner when they believed that female-to-male dating violence was justifiable and that male-to-female violence was not justifiable; experienced more conflict in the dating relationship; were the recipients of dating violence; used alcohol or drugs; and felt the relationship was more serious. The context of the violence was also examined and the implications of the study were addressed.
Acculturation measures intend to capture the psychological, behavioral, and attitudinal changes that occur when individuals and groups from different cultures come into continuous contact with each other. This article examines the most prominent theoretical models and assumptions that drive acculturation measures. Examples of Hispanic acculturation measures are used to illustrate how these theoretical foundations are applied in empirical measures. Particular emphasis is given to discussing the strengths and limitations of two bidimensional measures, the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (BAS) and the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-Revised (ARSMA-II). Recommendations for improving these measures are presented. Moving beyond proxy measures, improving the operationalization of acculturation indicators, and incorporating theoretical models, as well as contextual variables, are the key recommendations presented for improving measures of acculturation.
While numerous studies have established a link between alcohol use and partner violence in adulthood, little research has examined this relation during adolescence. The current study used multivariate growth models to examine relations between alcohol use and dating aggression across grades 8 through 12 controlling for shared risk factors (common causes) that predict both behaviors. Associations between trajectories of alcohol use and dating aggression were reduced substantially when common causes were controlled. Concurrent associations between the two behaviors were significant across nearly all grades but no evidence was found for prospective connections from prior alcohol use to subsequent dating aggression or vice versa. Findings suggest that prevention efforts should target common causes of alcohol use and dating aggression.
Aims and objectivesTo examine intentions to engage in condom use and potential partner-related barriers to condom use, including intimate partner violence (IPV), low levels of sexual relationship power and perceptions of monogamy, among women at risk for HIV. Background
In the United States, women account for approximately one in four new HIV infections. Despite the effectiveness of consistent condom use, women often confront biological, cultural and psychosocial barriers that limit their ability to engage in condom-use. DesignCross-sectional, quantitative study. Methods
Participants (N=90) were recruited from a domestic violence shelter, a domestic violence support organisation and an obstetrics/gynaecology clinic in Philadelphia, PA. Data were collected by questionnaires to assess women's condom-use intentions, actual condom-use behaviour, sexual partner risk factors, experience of IPV, level of sexual relationship power and perceptions of monogamy. ResultsFifty-eight per cent of participants (n=52) indicated a difference between their preference and intentions to use condoms vs. their actual use, with 62% (n=32) using condoms less frequently than they would like. Significant differences in condom use emerged for women with low vs. high sexual relationship power and women who reported being in a monogamous relationship vs. those who did not. Of particular concern, a majority of these relationships were with high-risk partners, further increasing women's already elevated risk of acquiring HIV. Conclusions
Condom use is a multifaceted issue, particularly in sexual relationships involving power differentials and perceived monogamy. Condom use was complicated by women's own preferences, sexual relationship power differentials and by the perceived exclusivity of the relationship with their sexual partners. Relevance to Clinical PracticeThese findings have important implications for nurses as they are uniquely positioned to facilitate HIV risk reduction among their patients through the discussion of sexual health issues and barriers to negotiating condom use that women may confront.
The purpose of this study was to explore variations in demographics, culture, self-esteem, and intimate partner violence among Hispanic women according to birthplace, and to identify factors associated with these differences in intimate partner violence (IPV). Baseline data from a randomized control trial testing the efficacy of an HIV prevention program were used. Path analyses identified differences in IPV between Colombian women and women from other Central/South American countries. Self-esteem was the only factor associated with these differences. Interventions addressing the unique needs of Hispanic women from different subgroups are needed.
To ascertain the effects of parent-adolescent acculturation gaps, perceived discrimination, and perceived negative context of reception on adolescent cigarette smoking, alcohol use, sexual activity, and sexual risk taking. We used an expanded, multidimensional model of acculturation.
A sample of 302 recently immigrated parent-adolescent dyads (152 from Miami and 150 from Los Angeles) completed measures of acculturation (Hispanic and American practices and identifications, and individualist and collectivist values) and parent-adolescent communication. Adolescents completed measures of recent cigarette smoking, alcohol use, sexual behavior, and sexual risk taking.
Parent-adolescent gaps in American practices and ethnic identity, and perceptions of a negative context of reception, predicted compromised parent-adolescent communication. In Miami only, adolescent-reported communication negatively predicted odds of cigarette smoking, occasions of drunkenness, and number of sexual partners. Also in Miami only, parent-reported communication positively predicted these outcomes, as well as occasions of adolescent binge drinking, drunkenness, number of sexual partners, and odds of unprotected sex. The only significant findings in Los Angeles were protective effects of parent-reported communication on frequency of alcohol use and of binge drinking. Mediational effects emerged only in the Miami sample.
Effects of parent-adolescent acculturation gaps vary across Hispanic groups and receiving contexts. The especially strong parental control in many Mexican families may account for these differences. However, other important differences between Hispanic subgroups and communities of reception could also account for these differences. Prevention efforts might encourage Hispanic youth both to retain their culture of origin and to acquire American culture.
This study of 175 Mexican-origin families examined a mediational model linking the linguistic acculturation of mothers and adolescents with a wide array of family mediators and adolescent mental health outcomes. Family linguistic acculturation, a latent construct based on maternal and adolescent acculturation, was positively related to increased family and interparental conflict but was not related to maternal parenting practices. Family conflict mediated the link between acculturation and two adolescent outcomes, conduct problems and depressive symptoms. Family acculturation showed a complex pattern of positive, indirect (mediated) and negative, direct effects on adolescent depressive symptoms. Findings are discussed in relation to traditional cultural values of Mexican heritage families and prevailing theories about why more acculturated Mexican-origin youth are at increased risk for problem behaviors. Copyrith 2006 by the National Council on Family Relations.
Teen dating violence (TDV) is a serious and potentially lethal form of relationship violence in adolescence. TDV is highly correlated with several outcomes related to poor physical and mental health. Although incidence and prevalence data indicate high rates of exposure to TDV among adolescents throughout the United States, significant confusion remains in healthcare communities concerning the definition and implications of TDV. Additionally, healthcare providers are uncertain about effective screening and intervention methods. The article will review the definition and epidemiology of TDV and discuss possible screening and intervention strategies.
TDV research is a relatively new addition to the field of relationship violence. Although some confusion remains, the definition and epidemiology of TDV are better understood, which has greatly led to effective ways in which to screen and intervene when such violence is detected. Universal screening with a focus on high-risk subgroups combined with referrals to local and national support services are key steps in reducing both primary and secondary exposure.
TDV is a widespread public health crisis with serious short-term and long-term implications. It is necessary for pediatric and adolescent healthcare providers to be aware of TDV and its potential repercussions, as well as possible methods for screening and intervention. More research is needed to better understand TDV as well as to further define effective screening and intervention protocol for the clinical environment.
Evidence from the literature suggests that substance abuse, violence, HIV risk, depressive symptoms, and underlying socioeconomic conditions are tied intrinsically to health disparities among Latinas. Although these health and social conditions appear to comprise a syndemic, an underlying phenomenon disproportionately accounting for the burden of disease among marginalized groups, these hypothesized relationships have not been formally tested.
The aim of this study was to assess (a) if substance abuse, violence, HIV risk, and depressive symptoms comprised a syndemic and (b) if this syndemic was related to socioeconomic disadvantage among Latinas.
Baseline assessment data from a randomized controlled community trial testing the efficacy of an HIV risk reduction program for adult Latinas (n = 548) were used to measure demographic variables, substance abuse, violence, risk for HIV, and depressive symptoms. Structural equation modeling was used to test a single underlying syndemic factor model and any relation to socioeconomic disadvantage.
The results of this study support the idea that HIV risk, substance abuse, violence, and depressive symptoms comprise a syndemic, χ(27) = 53.26, p < .01 (relative χ = 1.97, comparative fit index = .91, root mean square error of approximation = .04). In addition, in limited accord with theory, this factor was related to 2 measures of socioeconomic disadvantage, percentage of years in the United States (b = 7.55, SE = 1.53, p < .001) and education (b = -1.98, SE = .87, p < .05).
The results of this study could be used to guide public health programs and policies targeting behavioral health disparity conditions among Latinos and other vulnerable populations. Further study of the influence of gender-role expectations and community-level socioeconomic indicators may provide additional insight into this syndemic.
Although seminal reviews have been published on acculturation and mental health in adults and adolescents, far less is known about how acculturation influences adolescent interpersonal and self-directed violence. This article aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive review of research linking acculturation and violence behavior for adolescents of three minority populations: Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander (A/PI), and American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN). The preponderance of evidence from studies on Latino and A/PI youth indicate that higher levels of adolescent assimilation (i.e., measured by time in the United States, English language use, U.S. cultural involvement, or individualism scales) were a risk factor for youth violence. Ethnic group identity or culture-of-origin involvement appear to be cultural assets against youth violence with supporting evidence from studies on A/PI youth; however, more studies are needed on Latino and AI/AN youth. Although some evidence shows low acculturation or cultural marginality to be a risk factor for higher levels of fear, victimization, and being bullied, low acculturation also serves as a protective factor against dating violence victimization for Latino youth. An important emerging trend in both the Latino and, to a lesser extent, A/PI youth literature shows that the impact of acculturation processes on youth aggression and violence can be mediated by family dynamics. The literature on acculturation and self-directed violence is extremely limited and has conflicting results across the examined groups, with high acculturation being a risk factor for Latinos, low acculturation being a risk factor of A/PI youth, and acculturation-related variables being unrelated to suicidal behavior among AI/AN youth. Bicultural skills training as a youth violence and suicide prevention practice is discussed.
Acculturation, the process whereby immigrants change their behavior and attitudes toward those of the host society, is a fundamental part of migration-induced adaptations to new sociocultural environments. A rapidly expanding research literature on acculturation has accompanied the growth of international migrations. In response to the need to integrate the growing literature on acculturation and mental health status among Hispanics in the United States, and to identify points of convergence and new directions for research, 30 publications were examined. Points of convergence are identified, as are problems and limitations. The research needs new directions, proceeding from but not constricted by the assumptions and procedures in the work already done.
Using reports from both partners, this study estimated prevalence rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) among white, black, and Hispanic couples in the U.S., and assessed the contribution of drinking patterns, psychosocial, and other sociodemographic factors to the risk of partner violence.
A multistage area probability sample consisting of 555 white, 358 black, and 527 Hispanic couples in the U.S. household population was interviewed in 1995. Logistic regression analyses revealed that predictors of IPV vary by ethnicity.
Rates of male-to-female (MFPV) and female-to-male partner violence (FMPV) were highest among black couples (23% and 30%), followed by Hispanic (17% and 21%), and white couples (12% and 16%). Between 27 percent and 41 percent of the men, and 4 percent and 24 percent of the women were drinking at the time of the violent incident.
Black and Hispanic couples are at higher risk for IPV than white couples and should be targeted for prevention intervention. The interrelationships among IPV, alcohol consumption, and ethnicity are complex. These findings suggest that future attempts at modeling IPV should be ethnically sensitive and, ideally, include separate analyses of each ethnic group.
Little research has addressed the impact of dating violence and forced-sex victimization and perpetration on adolescent well-being. In this cross-sectional study, we provide (1) estimates of severe dating violence (SDV) by victimization and perpetration status, (2) estimates of lifetime forced-sex victimization and perpetration, (3) demographic and health behaviors correlated with SDV, and (4) associations between SDV and forced sex and well-being as assessed by (1) health-related quality of life (H-R QOL) and (2) life satisfaction measures.
We used a stratified cluster sample of 5414 public high school students, grades 9 through 12, who responded to the 1997 self-administered South Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
Nearly 12% of adolescents self-reported SDV as a victim (7.6%) or a perpetrator (7.7%), and SDV rates (victimization/perpetration combined) are higher in girls (14.4%) than boys (9.1%). Race, aggressive behaviors, substance use, and sexual risk-taking are correlates of SDV. Among young women, SDV victimization, not perpetration, was associated with recent poor H-R QOL and suicide ideation or attempts, but not lower life-satisfaction scores. Among young men, SDV perpetration, not victimization, was strongly associated with poor H-R QOL and suicide attempts, and lower scores for all domains of life satisfaction.
This research provides evidence that SDV and forced sex are associated with poor H-R QOL, low life-satisfaction scores, and adverse health behaviors in adolescent female victims and male perpetrators. Screening for dating violence is needed to identify and intervene early to reduce the impact of dating violence.
Adolescent dating violence is a public health problem. The public health approach to prevention is to identify predictors of problem behaviors and develop interventions to eliminate or reduce those predictors with the intention of altering the chain of causation. Longitudinal data are preferred for identifying predictors of behavior but all dating violence studies have used cross-sectional data. We use longitudinal data to examine predictors of adolescent dating violence from several domains guided by an ecological perspective.
Eighty percent (N = 1,965) of the 8th- and 9th-graders in one county completed baseline questionnaires in school and 90% (N = 1,759) of those adolescents completed questionnaires again 1&1/2 years later. Proportional odds models were used to identify cross-sectional correlates and longitudinal predictors of dating violence perpetration that occurred between baseline and follow-up.
Most of the study variables were correlated with dating violence in cross-sectional analyses. Having friends who are victims of dating violence, using alcohol, and being of a race other than white predicted dating violence perpetration by females. Holding attitudes that are accepting of dating violence predicted dating violence perpetration by males.
The findings suggest that intervention strategies should vary for males and females and that when basing interventions on cross-sectional findings, scarce resources may be stretched to address persons who may not truly be at risk of beginning to perpetrate dating violence.
Intimate partner violence against women is a major public health concern. Research among adults has shown that younger age is a consistent risk factor for experiencing and perpetrating intimate partner violence. However, no representative epidemiologic studies of lifetime prevalence of dating violence among adolescents have been conducted.
To assess lifetime prevalence of physical and sexual violence from dating partners among adolescent girls and associations of these forms of violence with specific health risks.
Female 9th through 12th-grade students who participated in the 1997 and 1999 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (n = 1977 and 2186, respectively).
Lifetime prevalence rates of physical and sexual dating violence and whether such violence is independently associated with substance use, unhealthy weight control, sexual risk behavior, pregnancy, and suicidality.
Approximately 1 in 5 female students (20.2% in 1997 and 18.0% in 1999) reported being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. After controlling for the effects of potentially confounding demographics and risk behaviors, data from both surveys indicate that physical and sexual dating violence against adolescent girls is associated with increased risk of substance use (eg, cocaine use for 1997, odds ratio [OR], 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-9.6; for 1999, OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.7-6.7), unhealthy weight control behaviors (eg, use of laxatives and/or vomiting [for 1997, OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.8-5.5; for 1999, OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.2-6.5]), sexual risk behaviors (eg, first intercourse before age 15 years [for 1997, OR, 8.2; 95% CI, 5.1-13.4; for 1999, OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.4-4.2]), pregnancy (for 1997, OR, 6.3; 95% CI, 3.4-11.7; for 1999, OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.9-7.8), and suicidality (eg, attempted suicide [for 1997, OR, 7.6; 95% CI, 4.7-12.3; for 1999, OR, 8.6; 95% CI, 5.2-14.4]).
Dating violence is extremely prevalent among this population, and adolescent girls who report a history of experiencing dating violence are more likely to exhibit other serious health risk behaviors.
The prevalence of dating violence, as well as its relationship to potential risk factors, was examined among a nationally representative sample of 9th-through 12th-grade U.S. females (N = 7,824) who completed the 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The dependent variable was physical dating violence; the independent variables were violence, suicide, substance use, and sexual risk behavior. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were examined, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the most significant risk factors. It was found that nearly one in ten of the adolescent girls reported dating violence. Twelfth-grade girls had the highest prevalence of dating violence. Girls who were victims of dating violence were more likely to be involved in other violent behaviors, to report extreme sadness and suicidal actions, to use illicit substances, and to engage in risky sexual behavior. Multivariate analysis revealed that dating violence was associated with sad/hopeless feelings (OR = 2.13), binge drinking (OR = 1.96), cocaine or inhalant use (OR = 2.90), multiple sex partners (OR = 2.38), nonuse of condoms (OR = 1.53), and ethnicity, specifically being Black (OR = 2.32) or Hispanic (OR = 1.82). These findings provide further evidence that there is a clustering of risk factors among certain adolescents, specifically girls who experience dating violence.
Studies of dating violence among Latino men and women have found that victims who are less acculturated have lower rates of dating violence. None of these studies have focused on adolescents. We assessed acculturation, ethnic identity, and dating violence victimization among Latino ninth-grade students.
Students from 13 high schools representing 24% of ninth-grade students in the Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley during 2000-2001 completed questionnaires. This analysis is restricted to students age 14 years or older who self-identified as Hispanic or Latino (n = 4,525). Logistic regression was performed to estimate the risk of dating violence associated with measures of acculturation and ethnic identity.
Latino female adolescents were more likely to report dating violence victimization in the past 12 months (8.7%) than were males (6.4%). Parental birthplace outside of the United States was significantly associated with a reduced likelihood of dating violence victimization among females. Reporting a great deal of ethnic discrimination was strongly associated with increased dating violence victimization among females.
These findings suggest that greater acculturation may be associated with greater prevalence of dating violence victimization among females. Understanding those aspects of Latino culture that may impact risk of dating violence could have important public health implications.
Previous studies demonstrate significant associations between dating-violence victimization and sexual risk behaviors among adolescent girls; however, a relationship between dating violence and actual sexually transmitted disease (STD)/HIV testing and diagnosis has yet to be investigated among a representative sample. The present study assesses associations between dating violence and STD/HIV testing and diagnosis among a representative sample of sexually active adolescent girls.
Data from 9th- to 12th-grade female students completing the 1999 and 2001 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Surveys and reporting having ever had sexual intercourse (N = 1641) were examined. Odds ratios for STD/HIV testing and diagnosis that were based on experiences of dating violence and adjusted for STD/HIV risk behaviors and demographics were calculated.
More than one third (38.8%) of adolescent girls tested for STD or HIV and more than half (51.6%) of girls diagnosed with STD/HIV reported experiencing dating violence. Compared with nonabused girls, girls who experienced both physical and sexual dating violence were 3.0 times more likely to have been tested for STD and HIV, and 2.6 times more likely to report an STD diagnosis.
After adjusting for STD/HIV risk behaviors, dating violence remains significantly associated with STD/HIV testing and diagnosis among sexually active adolescent girls.
Little data exists on dating violence among immigrant adolescents. The present study assessed disparities in experiences of physical and sexual dating violence based on immigrant status and language spoken at home among a large representative sample of adolescent girls.
Data from the 1997-2003 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (N = 7,970) were analyzed. Adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted among the full sample and sexually active sub-sample. To further clarify immigration-based effects, separate analyses were conducted within age and racial/ethnic groups.
Being an immigrant was found to be protective against dating violence (OR 0.77, CI 0.60-0.98), but not among those reporting sexual intercourse. Stratified analyses revealed important differences in these effects based on age and race/ethnicity; only immigrant girls age 16 or older (OR 0.69, CI 0.48-0.99) and Hispanic immigrant girls (ORs 0.39-0.54) reported reduced risk for dating violence as compared to their non-immigrants peers. No differences in vulnerability to dating violence were detected based on immigrant status for Asian, Black, or White adolescents in stratified analyses.
The social context of immigration may offer protection regarding adolescent girls' vulnerability to dating violence, but effects are not uniform across age, sexual experience, or race and ethnicity. Additional research is needed to understand how immigration, social behavior, age, race and ethnicity may interact to produce disparities in vulnerability to gender-based violence.
Underage drinking contributes to the 3 leading causes of death (unintentional injury, homicide, and suicide) among persons aged 12 to 20 years. Most adverse health effects from underage drinking stem from acute intoxication resulting from binge drinking. Although binge drinking, typically defined as consuming > or = 5 drinks on an occasion, is a common pattern of alcohol consumption among youth, few population-based studies have focused specifically on the characteristics of underage binge drinkers and their associated health risk behaviors.
We analyzed data on current drinking, binge drinking, and other health risk behaviors from the 2003 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by using SAS and SUDAAN statistical software. Logistic regression was used to examine the associations between different patterns of alcohol consumption and health risk behaviors.
Overall, 44.9% of high school students reported drinking alcohol during the past 30 days (28.8% binge drank and 16.1% drank alcohol but did not binge drink). Although girls reported more current drinking with no binge drinking, binge-drinking rates were similar among boys and girls. Binge-drinking rates increased with age and school grade. Students who binge drank were more likely than both nondrinkers and current drinkers who did not binge to report poor school performance and involvement in other health risk behaviors such as riding with a driver who had been drinking, being currently sexually active, smoking cigarettes or cigars, being a victim of dating violence, attempting suicide, and using illicit drugs. A strong dose-response relationship was found between the frequency of binge drinking and the prevalence of other health risk behaviors.
Binge drinking is the most common pattern of alcohol consumption among high school youth who drink alcohol and is strongly associated with a wide range of other health risk behaviors. Effective intervention strategies (eg, enforcement of the minimum legal drinking age, screening and brief intervention, and increasing alcohol taxes) should be implemented to prevent underage alcohol consumption and adverse health and social consequences resulting from this behavior.
This article reviews 35 U.S. studies on the intersection of HIV and adult intimate partner violence (IPV). Most studies describe rates of IPV among women at risk or living with HIV/AIDS and identify correlates, using multiple types of convenience samples (e.g., women in methadone treatment, women in shelters or clinics), cross-sectional designs, and self-reported risk behaviors. HIV-positive women appear to experience any IPV at rates comparable to HIV-negative women from the same underlying populations; however, their abuse seems to be more frequent and more severe. The authors found only four relevant interventions and none addressed sexually transmitted HIV and partner violence risk reduction simultaneously. There is a critical need for research on (a) causal pathways and cumulative effects of the syndemic issues of violence, HIV, and substance abuse and (b) interventions that target IPV victims at risk for HIV, as well as HIV-positive women who may be experiencing IPV.
The present study, based upon the national 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of U.S. high school students, provides the most current and representative data on dating violence among adolescent females (N = 7,179). The dependent variable was physical dating violence. The independent variables included four dimensions: violence, suicide, substance use, and sexual risk behavior. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), were examined followed by multivariate logistic regression analyses, which included all significant independent variables from the bivariate analyses. Adjusted OR and 95% CI were computed to assess the significance of the relationships. In terms of prevalence, 10.3% of female adolescents reported experiencing physical dating violence. Black girls (OR = 1.47) and girls who reported sad/hopeless feelings (OR = 1.42) considered suicide (OR = 1.55), engaged in physical fighting (OR = 2.17), had recent sexual partners (OR = 2.10), or had unprotected sexual intercourse (OR = 1.70) were more likely to report physical dating violence. These findings suggest dating violence against adolescent females is widespread and associated with a host of other risk factors that deserve further attention through longitudinal research and intervention efforts.
We examined the cross-sectional associations between reports of an early age of alcohol use initiation and suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and peer and dating violence victimization and perpetration among high-risk adolescents.
Data were obtained from the Youth Violence Survey conducted in 2004 and administered to all public school students enrolled in grades 7, 9, and 11/12 (N = 4131) in a high-risk school district in the United States. Our analyses were limited to seventh-grade students who either began drinking before the age of 13 or were nondrinkers, with complete information on all covariates (n = 856). Cross-sectional logistic and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between early alcohol use and each of the 6 outcome behaviors (dating violence victimization and perpetration, peer violence victimization and perpetration, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts) while controlling for demographic characteristics and other potential confounders (ie, heavy episodic drinking, substance use, peer drinking, depression, impulsivity, peer delinquency, and parental monitoring).
In our study, 35% of students reported alcohol use initiation before 13 years of age (preteen alcohol use initiators). Students who reported preteen alcohol use initiation reported involvement in significantly more types of violent behaviors (mean: 2.8 behaviors), compared with nondrinkers (mean: 1.8 behaviors). Preteen alcohol use initiation was associated significantly with suicide attempts, relative to nondrinkers, controlling for demographic characteristics and all other potential confounders.
Early alcohol use is an important risk factor for involvement in violent behaviors and suicide attempts among youths. Increased efforts to delay and to reduce early alcohol use among youths are needed and may reduce both violence and suicide attempts.
Immigration and acculturation in adolescences. Encyclopedia on early childhood development
- K U Leuven
Leuven, K. U. (2011). Immigration and acculturation in adolescences. Encyclopedia on early childhood development. Retrieved on July 12, 2013 from http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/documents/ GungorANGxp1.pdf.
Substance abuse, violence, HIV and depression: An underlying syndemic factor among Latinas Birthplace, culture, self-esteem and intimate partner violence among community dwelling Hispanic women
- R M Gonzalez-Guarda
- B Mccabe
- A Florom-Smith
- R Cianelli
- N Peragallo
- R M Gonzalez-Guarda
- A Vermeesch
- A Florom-Smith
- B Mccabe
- N Peragallo
Family mediators of the relation between acculturation and adolescent mental health. Family Relations, 55, 318–330 Retrieved from http:// isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic551691.files/Gonzalesetal.pdf. Gonzalez-Guarda, R. M., McCabe, B., Florom-Smith, A., Cianelli, R., & Peragallo, N. (2011). Substance abuse, violence, HIV and depression: An underlying syndemic factor among Latinas. Nursing Research, 60, 182–189, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/NNR.0b013e318216d5f4. Gonzalez-Guarda, R. M., Vermeesch, A., Florom-Smith, A., McCabe, B., & Peragallo, N. (2013). Birthplace, culture, self-esteem and intimate partner violence among community dwelling Hispanic women. Violence Against Women, 19, 6–23, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/ 1077801212475336.
Understanding teen dating violence 2013 state and local youth risk behavior survey Severe dating violence and quality of life among South Carolina high school students
- Disease Control
- Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012b). Understanding teen dating violence. Retrieved March 6, 2013, from. http://www.cdc.gov/ ViolencePrevention/pdf/TeenDatingViolence2012-a.pdf. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). 2013 state and local youth risk behavior survey. Retrieved on July 24, 2013 from http:// www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/yrbs/pdf/questionnaire/2013_hs_ questionnaire.pdf Coker, A. L., McKeown, R. E., Sanderson, M., Davis, K. E., Valois, R. F., & Huebner, E. S. (2000). Severe dating violence and quality of life among South Carolina high school students. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 19, 220–227.