Extending Johnson's intimate partner violence typology: lessons from an adolescent sample

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Criminology
• Public Health

Background:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue.
• Johnson's IPV typology effectively categorizes adult IPV using physical violence and controlling behaviors.
• Adolescent IPV is understudied, yet crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply Johnson's IPV typology to adolescent females.
• To examine IPV covariates in urban high school students.
• To evaluate a relationship-level extension of the IPV typology for enhanced clarity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of IPV covariates among 493 female urban high school students.
• Utilized Johnson's original IPV typology as a key predictor.
• Employed a relationship-level extension of the typology for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• Preliminary evidence indicates adolescent IPV patterns differ significantly from adult IPV.
• The relationship-level IPV typology provided additional clarity in categorizing adolescent IPV.
• Specific patterns of adolescent IPV require further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Johnson's IPV typology needs adaptation for adolescent populations.
• A relationship-level framework enhances understanding of adolescent intimate partner violence.
• Findings support the development of targeted early IPV interventions for adolescents.