Dating Relationship Dynamics, Mental Health, and Dating Victimization: A Longitudinal Path Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the longitudinal association between adolescent dating relationship dynamics (measures of intimacy and problem dynamics), mental health, and physical and/or sexual victimization by a dating partner. Gender-stratified analyses were conducted in a sample of 261 adolescents, ages 10-18 at baseline, interviewed in three annual waves (2013-2015) of the nationally representative Survey on Teen Relationships and Intimate Violence (STRiV). Among male daters, better mental health at baseline was negatively associated with problem dynamics at follow-up, and aspects of problem dynamics at baseline predicted worse mental health at follow-up. However, unexpectedly, aspects of relationship intimacy at baseline were also negatively associated with mental health at follow-up. Male daters' victimization did not mediate longitudinal measures of mental health or of relationship dynamics, but did predict worse mental health at follow-up. Among female daters, we found no longitudinal associations between mental health and intimacy or problem relationship dynamics, in either direction. However, victimization mediated aspects of female daters' reported relationship dynamics. Dating violence prevention efforts should reflect that adolescent females reporting controlling behaviors and feelings of passionate love may be at increased risk for victimization. Positive youth development efforts should attend to the bidirectional associations of mental health and dating relationship dynamics over time, particularly for male adolescents.

Youth and young adult dating relationship dynamics and subsequent abusive outcomes

“…In other words, we found evidence that latent classes of relationship dynamics are associated with subsequent partner abuse victimization and perpetration, but our person‐centered models contradict theory that the development of intimacy in a youth relationship is necessarily a positive feature. In line with prior research (Giordano, Soto, et al, 2010; Mumford et al, 2018; B.; Taylor et al, 2017), the high probability of subsequent partner abuse perpetration and victimization for youth and young adults reporting Intense relationship dynamics, described by high levels of intimacy, belies a simple expectation that strong feelings of love, caring, intimate self‐disclosure and physical intimacy in a dating relationship necessarily describe the foundation of a healthy relationship going forward (whether with the same or a new partner). Youth and young adults in this age group may not be ready to manage the potent feelings associated with these intense relationships, which may then lead to a greater risk for partner abuse.…”

“…The literature references multiple facets of dating relationship dynamics within interpersonal relationships (see Furman & Winkles, 2012 for review). Some of these dynamics may be interpreted as positive (Mumford, Taylor, Liu, & Giordano, 2018), such as passion, love, and intimacy (Connolly, Craig, Goldberg, & Pepler, 1999; Giordano, Manning, Longmore, & Flanigan, 2012; Sternberg, 1986; Sumter, Valkenburg, & Peter, 2013; Whitaker, Le, & Niolon, 2010). Other dynamics appear as problematic dynamics, such as controlling behaviors (Giordano et al, 2012; Taylor, Joseph, & Mumford, 2017), as well as challenging communication patterns (Giordano, Manning, & Longmore, 2010; Lewis & Fremouw, 2001; Longmore, Manning, Giordano, & Copp, 2014; Nash, Longmore, Manning, & Giordano, 2015; Noonan & Charles, 2009).…”

“…These dynamics in turn may inform individuals' relative risk for involvement in partner abuse. For example, controlling behaviors and awkward communications, signaling problem relationship dynamics, have been identified as correlates of youth and young adult victimization by a dating partner (Catallozzi, Simon, Davidson, Breitbart, & Rickert, 2011; Cornelius, Shorey, & Beebe, 2010; Giordano, Soto, Manning, & Longmore, 2010; Mumford et al, 2018). Measures of intimacy, caring and love have shown mixed results ranging from no correlation (Giordano, Soto, et al, 2010) to an unexpected positive association between measures of passionate love and subsequent dating victimization (Taylor et al, 2017).…”

A Semantic Cognition Contribution to Mood and Anxiety Disorder Pathophysiology

“…Moreover, it is plausible that the bATLs have an important role in many mental health disorders that deal with negative or inappropriate social feelings. Abnormal social relationships are a common factor in most mental health issues [ 83 ]. For example, people with autism have impaired social behavior [ 84 ].…”

Hermeneutic Labor: The Gendered Burden of Interpretation in Intimate Relationships between Women and Men

“…It is 'normative' inasmuch as alexithymia is part of men's socialization and scripts of masculinity. Men with high normative male alexithymia fear intimacy with their partners may feel constrained and unhappy by the gendered expectation that they refrain from sharing their feelings (Mumford et al 2019;hooks 2000 and2004). Indeed, men are not less emotional than women; they are merely less likely to express emotions (Levant 2001, 427;LaFrance and Banaji 1992).…”