The impact of adolescent dating violence and abuse on victims’ mental health and social isolation: a thematic empirical evidence review
The impact of adolescent dating violence and abuse on victims’ mental health and social isolation: a thematic empirical evidence review
StatusVoR
Alternative title
Authors
Kirkman, Gillian
Willmott, Dominic
Boduszek, Daniel
Monograph
Monograph (alternative title)
Date
2025-12-01
Publisher
Journal title
Mental Health and Social Inclusion
Issue
6
Volume
29
Pages
Pages
761–773
ISSN
2042-8308
ISSN of series
Access date
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
Purpose
Adolescent dating violence and abuse (ADVA) can have severe and long-lasting implications for the mental health, cognitive development, and overall wellbeing of young people at a complex developmental stage. The purpose of this paper is to scrutinise current literature and consider the impact of early intimate dating abuse, exploring how factors such as the quality and influence of peer relationships can be critical foundations to young people’s vulnerability or resilience. The significance of certain childhood adversities as predictors of increased risk of future ADVA perpetration and victimisation will be considered.
Design/methodology/approach
In this article, the authors examine the impact of ADVA on victim-survivors focusing on mental distress, including self-harm, depression and anxiety, continuous traumatic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation. The authors also examine the pervasive influence of ADVA on victims’ social isolation and exclusion from networks of social support. ADVA often causes victims to be fearful, entrapped, isolated and controlled.
Findings
Societal normalisation of dating abuse and rape myths can exacerbate a victim’s feelings of self-blame and shame, severely impairing young people’s ability to disclose and seek external support, perpetuating feelings of helplessness. In integrating recent research, legislation and government reports, the authors demonstrate the necessity of addressing ADVA through a whole school approach, trauma-informed interventions and authentic educational programmes.
Originality/value
This article contributes to the growing body of literature, emphasising both the mental health impact and urgent need to change attitudes and behaviours underlying ADVA. The authors offer recommendations for policy and practice such that the needs of victims can be better met whilst perpetrators are offered support and held to account.
Abstract other
Keywords PL
Keywords EN
Adolescent dating violence and abuse (ADVA)
Mental distress
Social isolation
Trauma informed interventions
Whole school approaches
Mental distress
Social isolation
Trauma informed interventions
Whole school approaches
Keywords other
Sustainable Development Goals
Exhibition title
Place of exhibition (institution)
Exhibition curator
Type
License type
Funder
Time range from
Time range to
Contact person name
Related publication
Related publication
Grant/project name
Grant number
Collections
Views
0Acquisition Date20.10.2022
Downloads
0Acquisition Date20.10.2022
Altmetrics©
Dimensions
Google Scholar
