Violence in adolescents' romantic relationships: Incidence and associated factors
This study aims to determine the incidence of psychological, physical and sexual abuse experienced by female adolescents in their couple relationships. In addition, it aims to identify the factors associated with each type of abuse. Ninth grade students in two public high schools (N = 427) responded to a questionnaire as part of their class devoted to personal and social development. Students involved in at least one couple relationship during the past year (n = 257) reported whether they were subjected to each type of abuse by their partner. Among these students, 29% experienced physical abuse, 25% experienced psychological abuse and 52% experienced sexual abuse. Logistical regression analyses identify the factors associated with each type of abuse. Female adolescents' aggressive reactions to frustration, their experiences of intrafamilial sexual abuse and their current sexual activity are associated with physical and psychological abuse. Living alone with their fathers is associated with psychological and sexual abuse, while their fathers' low education level is associated with physical abuse. Drug and alcohol problems as well as living in a blended family are also associated with sexual abuse.