What Role Do Peers Play in Adolescent Dating? Insights From Adolescents With a History of Dating Violence. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baker, Charlene K.
• Is Part Of: Violence against women. Volume 23:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 178
• Page End: 201
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: adolescent dating violence -- peer involvement -- bystander intervention; Abused women -- Periodicals; Women -- Crimes against -- Periodicals; Violent crimes -- Periodicals; Femmes victimes de violence -- Périodiques; Femmes, Crimes contre les -- Périodiques; Crimes violents -- Périodiques; 362.8292
• DOI: 10.1177/1077801216638769
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-8012

Abstract

Prior research suggests that peers are important to adolescent dating experiences. However, questions remain about the role peers play in adolescent relationships, including dating violence. To fill this gap, eight sex-specific focus groups were conducted with 39 high school–aged teens, all of whom had experienced prior relationship problems. Participants described how peers helped them initiate dating relationships, but once in the relationship, peers would spread rumors and create dramas that led to jealousy, discord, and violence between the couple. Prevention programs should focus on cultivating peers as helpful bystanders and counteracting peer actions that lead to dating violence.