Violence in the dating experiences of college women.

Format:

Book

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

Frederick, Angela C.

Contributor:

Gennaro, Susan, advisor.

University of Pennsylvania.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Nursing.

Women's studies.

0453.

0569.

Penn dissertations--Nursing.

Nursing--Penn dissertations.

Local Subjects:

Penn dissertations--Nursing.

Nursing--Penn dissertations.

0453.

0569.

Physical Description:

181 pages

Contained In:

Dissertation Abstracts International 64-10B.

System Details:

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

text file

Summary:

Background. College-aged women report experiencing physical, sexual, and psychological violence and stalking within dating experiences.

Objectives. This correlational study, guided by the Neuman System Model, reports prevalence estimates, sociodemographic characteristics, physical injury, mental health symptoms, healthcare sought, and impact on behaviors associated with dating violence in a sample of college women. The study explores the effects of experiencing more than one form of violence.

Methods. A convenience sample of 863 young women between the ages of 18--25 from a private, historically black university in the south, and a private college in the Mid-Atlantic completed the Abuse Assessment Screen, a physical injury checklist, the Symptom Checklist-R-90 and a narrative note (Derogates, 1994; Soeken, McFarlane, Parker, & Lominack, 1998). Data analysis consisted of frequencies, logistic regression, MANOVA, X2 , content analysis, and ANOVA.

Findings. 48% of the sample had experienced dating violence and of those individuals, 39% had experienced more than one form of violence. An increased number of boyfriends significantly increased a young woman's odds of experiencing dating violence. A higher grade point average and weekly participation in formal religious activities each significantly decreased the odds of experiencing dating violence. The most commonly reported injuries were scratches; bruising or swelling; and sore muscles. Victims had significantly higher scores on depression, anxiety, somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, and global severity index than nonvictims and victims of multiple forms of violence had significantly higher scores than victims of a single form. Less than 14% of those injured sought medical attention for injuries and less than 3% saw a mental health professional. Participants reported changes to daily routines and behaviors and wrote about the devastating effects of violence on their lives.

Conclusions. Study findings suggest the importance of screening for violence, identification of those who are not seeking health care and the provision of treatment, support and referral. Knowledge of health effects and correlates of dating violence can guide the healthcare providers in the care of young women. Research is needed to describe associated sociodemographic markers, barriers to seeking health care, screening practices of college-health programs, and programs to identify victims and prevent dating violence.

Notes:

Thesis (Ph.D. in Nursing) -- University of Pennsylvania, 2003.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 64-10, Section: B, page: 4863.

Supervisor: Susan Gennaro.

Local Notes:

School code: 0175.

ISBN:

9780496567188

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.