Increase in violence in adolescent relationships

Many young people experience transgressions and violence

19/11/2013

In their first love relationships, adolescents are often confronted with difficult, cross-border behavior and violence, according to a recent study by Fulda University of Applied Sciences. Such experiences, according to the researchers „to influence the potential to build a mutually respectful relationship as adults“ and generally „Violence in childhood and adolescence is a risk factor for intimate partner violence as adults.“

In the study „Border crossings and violence in the love relationships and dates of Hessian students between 14 to under 18 years“ the research team led by Prof. dr. Beate Blättner interviewed pupils at nine general and one vocational school. However, of the nearly 3,200 pupils who attend these schools, they were only able to take into account 509, since for the others there was no consent from the parents. Of the 509 questionnaires completed by the students, 47 were unusable due to erroneous information, so the results of the study were ultimately based on the data of 462 students (271 girls and 191 boys). The average age of the surveyed adolescents was 15.3 years according to the researchers.

Ten percent of young people experience violence in their relationship
Of the respondents, just under 77 percent (181 students, 173 students) already had experience with first dates or relationships. In their relationships, about 66 percent of these students and 60 percent of the students experienced at least once „some form of border crossing or violence“, so the result of the current study. According to the researchers, this corresponds to around 50 percent of the total sample among girls and 45 percent among boys. „Such experiences were mostly made for the first time in the 8th and 9th grade“, report Prof. Blättner and colleagues. The most common form of border crossing is verbal aggression and threats. However, 26 percent of girls with relationship experience and 12.7 percent of boys reported at least one sexualized transgression or violence. Around ten percent each were directly victims of violence in their relationship. „Forcibly forced into involuntary sexual acts were 6 percent of girls and 1.7 percent of boys“, the researchers write.

Preventive measures required
According to the latest study results, the first relationships confront many adolescents with extremely unpleasant experiences, which not infrequently can be associated with a significant impairment of well-being, but also with me learning and concentration weaknesses. The scientists at Fulda University of Applied Sciences conclude that their study illustrates the need for preventive measures. On the one hand, the young people could be taught where their own limits are and, on the other hand, how to treat each other respectfully, as well as in relationships. „These measures are also important in preventing further chronicity of violence“, so the conclusion of the researchers. (Fp)

Picture: sokaeiko