Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between dating violence victimization and unprotected sex acts
among youth in mental health treatment. Sexually-active adolescents (n = 261; ages 13–18) enrolled in mental health treatment completed an audio-assisted computerized self-interview (ACASI) to
assess recent dating violence victimization, unprotected sex acts, depression symptoms, and recent alcohol use. Path analysis
revealed that dating violence victimization was related to unprotected sex acts both directly and indirectly via its association
with depression and condom use self-efficacy. These findings suggest that in order to reduce HIV-related risk behaviors among
dating violence victims, treatment providers should consider depressive symptomatology and associated affect around sexual
situations.
among youth in mental health treatment. Sexually-active adolescents (n = 261; ages 13–18) enrolled in mental health treatment completed an audio-assisted computerized self-interview (ACASI) to
assess recent dating violence victimization, unprotected sex acts, depression symptoms, and recent alcohol use. Path analysis
revealed that dating violence victimization was related to unprotected sex acts both directly and indirectly via its association
with depression and condom use self-efficacy. These findings suggest that in order to reduce HIV-related risk behaviors among
dating violence victims, treatment providers should consider depressive symptomatology and associated affect around sexual
situations.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10826-011-9543-3
- Authors
- Christie J. Rizzo, Bradley Hasbro Children’s Research Center/Rhode Island Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Heather L. Hunter, Bradley Hasbro Children’s Research Center/Rhode Island Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Delia L. Lang, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Cassandra Oliveira, Bradley Hasbro Children’s Research Center/Rhode Island Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Geri Donenberg, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ralph J. DiClemente, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Larry K. Brown, Bradley Hasbro Children’s Research Center/Rhode Island Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Project STYLE Study Group
- Journal Journal of Child and Family Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-2843
- Print ISSN 1062-1024