Citation

Barter C, Stanley N. Int. Rev. Psychiatry 2016; 28(5): 485-503.

Affiliation

School of Social Work, Care and Community, University of Central Lancashire , Preston , UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09540261.2016.1215295

PMID

27627551

Abstract

This paper provides a narrative review of the knowledge on inter-personal violence and abuse (IPVA) in adolescents' intimate relationships. It draws on the authors' own research, published reviews, and a rapid review on IPVA victimization and mental health outcomes for adolescents. The research reviewed identified associations between adolescent IPVA and substance misuse, depressive symptoms and PTSD, eating disorders and suicidal thinking, and behaviour in young people. Generally, girls appeared more likely to report severe mental health outcomes than boys. Adolescents rarely disclose IPVA to adults and delivering preventative programmes that promote knowledge and help seeking may offer a means of building on young people's tendency to seek help from friends. These preventative interventions, usually delivered in schools, need to be closely linked to support services for adolescents who disclose abuse. While there are some practice examples of emerging interventions for both victims and perpetrators of adolescent IPVA, there is as yet little robust evidence regarding their effectiveness.

Language: en