Teen dating violence: The need for early prevention

TitleTeen dating violence: The need for early prevention
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsGuidi E, Magnatta G, Meringolo P
JournalInterdisciplinary Journal of Family Studies
Volume17
Issue1
Pagination181-196
Date Published06/2012
PublisherPadova University Press
Place PublishedPadova, IT
ISSN Number2282-2011
KeywordsPrevention, risk factors, school-based programs, teen dating violence
Abstract

Teen dating violence is a common experience with severe consequences for the psychological and physical health of those affected. The purpose of this paper is to review current empirical studies and reviews about this issue and to evaluate the need of developing programs designed to prevent violence. Given the acceptance of violence in adolescent romantic relationships, preventive interventions should be directed at younger adolescents before negative interpersonal attitudes and behaviours become established, with the aim of reducing the continuity of aggression in future relationships. The majority of prevention programs have shown positive short-term effects in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. Therefore, future research should assess longer-term follow-up to determine the strong effects of the prevention programs in behaviour changes.

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