Citation

Prospero M. J. School Violence 2006; 5(4): 65-77.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J202v05n04_06

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The present study investigated age differences in reactions to the perceptions of dating violence using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Focus groups were conducted to develop age and culturally appropriate questionnaires for each age group (college and middle school). The questionnaires consisted of common dating scenarios that could possibly lead to dating violence. Young adolescents and adults were asked to provide their perceptions and behavioral reactions to the dating scenarios. The study found that young adolescents, as compared with adults, were significantly more likely to perceive common dating situations negatively and respond aggressively towards the dating partner. These findings have implications for practitioners charged with preventing dating violence among adolescents.