Associations Between Teen Dating Violence and Risky Behaviors

Our study investigates the role of teen dating violence (TDV) victimization experiences as precursors to engagement in substance use and recklessness in adolescents. We shed light on the nuance of TDV operationalizations as important in understanding risky behaviors. Using the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a nationally representative sample of United States adolescents, this cross-sectional study explores the relationships between TDV, measured using physical (PDV) and sexual dating violence (SDV) indicators, and risky behaviors (substance use and recklessness). Using Poisson regressions, we examine the relationships between 3- (no TDV, PDV or SDV, PDV and SDV) and 4-level (no TDV, PDV only, SDV only, PDV and SDV) victimization measurements and risky behaviors. Relative to no TDV, experiencing both PDV and SDV significantly increases the risk of both outcomes, and the strength of the relationships was stronger for PDV than SDV. However, we find that there are no statistical differences between the 3-and 4-level measurements. These findings identify the relationship between TDV victimization and substance use and reckless behaviors. Additionally, it demonstrates that measurement decisions in TDV victimization should stem from substantive considerations. These findings have direct impact on our understanding of teen involvement in risky behaviors such as substance use and recklessness.