Dating Violence Trajectories in Adolescence: How Do They Relate to Sexual Outcomes in Canada?

Dating violence during adolescence is a major public health issue: it is highly prevalent and extensive research has documented its physical and psychological consequences, yet very little has focused on its sexual consequences. The present study investigated the longitudinal associations between dating violence victimization (psychological, sexual or physical) and sexual well-being (sexual satisfaction and sexual distress) among 1442 sexually active adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years who completed at least one of three data waves (51.1% girls; 45.7% boys; 0.3% non-binary; 3.0% varying gender identity). The study also examined whether these associations differed by gender identity and sexual minority status. Adolescents completed online questionnaires on electronic tablets during class. The results indicated that psychological, physical (except for boys), and sexual dating violence victimization were all associated with lower sexual satisfaction and greater sexual distress over time. Moreover, the between-level associations between dating violence and poorer sexual outcomes were stronger among girls and gender varying adolescents than among boys. The within-level association between physical dating violence and sexual satisfaction was significant among adolescents with a nonvarying sexual minority status, but not among those with a nonvarying heterosexual status or that varied in sexual minority status. Findings offer cues for dating violence prevention and intervention programs by suggesting the need to examine sexual well-being over time.

Automated summary

Dating violence during adolescence is a major public health issue, with research focusing on its physical and psychological consequences but neglecting its sexual consequences. This study investigated the long-term associations between dating violence victimization (psychological, sexual or physical) and sexual well-being among sexually active adolescents. The results showed that dating violence victimization was associated with lower sexual satisfaction and greater sexual distress over time, with stronger effects observed among girls and gender varying adolescents. These findings highlight the importance of addressing sexual well-being in dating violence prevention and intervention programs.