Trajectories of dating violence: Differences by sexual minority status and gender. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin-Storey, Alexa; Fromme, Kim
• Is Part Of: Journal of adolescence. Volume 49(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Dating violence -- Sexual minority -- Trajectories -- Gender differences; Adolescent psychiatry -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychology -- Periodicals; Adolescence -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 305.23505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.02.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-1971

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine how sexual minority status (as assessed using both identity and behavior) was associated with trajectories of dating violence. University students from a large Southwestern university completed questions on their sexual minority identity, the gender of their sexual partners, and about experiences of dating violence for six consecutive semesters (N = 1942). Latent growth curve modeling indicated that generally, trajectories of dating violence were stable across study participation. Sexual minority identity was associated with higher initial levels of dating violence at baseline, but also with greater decreases in dating violence across time. These differences were mediated by number of sexual partners. Having same and other-sex sexual partners was associated with higher levels of dating violence at baseline, and persisted in being associated with higher levels over time. No significant gender difference was observed regarding trajectories of dating violence. Highlights: Sexual minority identity was linked with higher dating violence at baseline. Having both same and other sex partners was linked with increasing dating violence. Gender did not moderate between sexual minority status and dating violence.