[Non-Respectful Behavior and Violence in Romantic Relationships between Adolescents: Prevalence and Quality of Life...

International studies illustrate the high prevalence of non-respectful or violent behaviour in adolescents' romantic relationships (teen dating violence) and health implications being comparable to intimate partner violence between adults. For Germany, there have been only data on sexual aggressive acting. The study investigated the magnitude of teen dating violence among secondary school pupils between 14 and 18 years in Hesse.

Adolescents attending general education system and vocational schools in Hesse were standardised and anonymously surveyed with a modified paper-pencil version of the YPRQ and the KIDSCREEN-10. 462 questionnaires were included into the analysis. In a first step, weighted data have been analysed descriptively.

181 female students (78%) and 173 male students (75%) affirmed the question concerning first experiences with dates or relationships. About 65.7% of the girls [95% CI 58.8-72.6] and 60.1% of the boys [95% CI 52.8-67.4] at risk stated that they suffered from at least one form of non-respectful behaviour or violence. 61% of the girls and 57% of the boys reported on emotionally difficult situations, 26% of the girls and 13% of the boys experienced unwanted sexually behaviour as well as physical violence in 11% of the girls and 10% of the boys. Life quality was lower between victimised adolescents (female 45.25; SD 7.2 and males 50.19; SD 8.3) compared to non-victimised females (47.40; SD 7.06) or males (51.04; (SD 7.5).

The high prevalence rates are comparable with results of existing studies and demonstrate the need for prevention. An underestimation of serious violence is assumed due to methodical reasons. Due to the cross-sectional design, the direction of a cause-and-effect association between victimisation and quality of life remains uncertain.