Author ORCID Identifier
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-27-2016
Publication Title
Journal of Adolescence
Volume
52
Issue
1
First Page
170
Last Page
181
Abstract
Stress and vulnerability for dating violence may be heightened among acculturating Mexican American (MA) adolescents, and MA adolescent parents, because of differing cultural values and norms within romantic relationships. We hypothesized, in a sample of MA heterosexual couples (N = 30, 15–17 years), that: 1) within-couple level acculturation discrepancies, and pregnancy/parenting, would predict physical violence perpetration, and 2) that this association would have an indirect effect through couple-level negativity during an observed dyadic video-taped discussion of conflict. Using a path model we found that pregnant/parenting adolescents (B = .37, SE = .16, p = .002), and couples with greater acculturation mismatch resulted in greater couple negativity (B = .16, SE = .06, p = .01), which was associated with self-reported physical violence perpetration (B = .41, SE = .22, p = .02; indirect effect, B = .15, SE = .07, p = .03). Within-couple acculturation discrepancies and pregnancy/parenting may be a pathway to dating violence through poor communication skills around conflict for MA youth. Support services that strengthen communication skills, particularly for pregnant/parenting couples, are recommended.
Recommended Citation
Williams, L. R. & Rueda, H. A. (2016). Mexican American adolescent couples’ vulnerability for observed negativity and physical violence: Pregnancy and acculturation mismatch. Journal of Adolescence, 52, 170-181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.08.001
Comments
"This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Mexican American adolescent couples’ vulnerability for observed negativity and physical violence: Pregnancy and acculturation mismatch. Journal of Adolescence, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.08.001 . This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited."