Mexican American female adolescents' perceptions of relationships and dating violence

Abstract

Purpose: This study fills a gap regarding the perspectives of Mexican American female adolescents on dating relationships and dating violence (DV).

Methods: This was a qualitative descriptive study. Focus groups included 20 Mexican American young women, primarily first and second generation, mean age 14.5 years (SD= 2.5). Data were analyzed with categorical analysis.

Findings: Participants described key components of DV and identified cultural aspects that may serve to promote healthy dating relationships.

Conclusions: Family-based interventions to promote exploration of gender roles and parent-child communication may foster biculturalism as well as promote healthy dating relationships and prevent violence within this cultural group.

Clinical relevance: In the United States, 10% to 40% of teens experience DV. Hispanic females experience more physical DV than their White peers.