JOURNAL ARTICLE SUMMARY
1
Relationship Dynamics and Abusive Interactions in a National Sample of Youth and Young
Adults.
Chris Webb
Department of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University
PSYC 512: Social Psychology
Dr. Tracy Gomez
April 30, 2023
JOURNAL ARTICLE SUMMARY
2
Introduction
Many research studies have discussed abusive relationships due to the increased
situations of adult intimate partner violence (Mumford et al., 2023). Due to the lack of literature
on relationship dynamics, the current study's researchers looked at the theoretical foundations of
dating relationship dynamics, component indicators of dating relationship dynamics, parenting
styles as predictors, and individual correlates of dating relationship dynamics.
Purpose
The study had two purposes. First, the researcher sought to understand the dynamics of a
dating relationship better. Secondly, they sought to find how external factors affect dating
relationship dynamics.
Hypothesis
The researchers expect less healthy adolescent dating relationships would be associated
with the adolescent’s relationships with the parents, the parents' relationships with each other,
and the overall emotional well-being of the adolescent.
Methodology
Sample
The sample in the research study included adolescents ages 10 to 18 and their parents.
The initial study consisted of 2354 parent-child duos. The initial group was analyzed five years
later, and they pulled the children in a dating relationship. 695 individuals were found to be in a
relationship, but 77 were excluded due to external factors. The final sample size consisted of 618
individuals.
Measures
JOURNAL ARTICLE SUMMARY
3
The research study measured four factors: Dating relationship dynamics, ARA
perpetration & victimization, Exogenous variables, and Critical parenting.
Procedures
Dating relationship dynamics were measured by a 5-point agreement or frequency
response scale. ARA perpetration & victimization was measured using a 62-item self-report
scale entitled the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory. The participants were
instructed to disclose whether they experienced victimization by their dating partner and any
perpetration against their dating partner. Exogenous variables were measured using multiple
scales. The first scale asked if the participants had been exposed to a parent being physically
abused. Participants proceeded to take a 5-item mental health survey. The higher the individual
scored, the stronger their emotional well-being was. After determining their emotional well-
being, they were given seven situations and asked if the scenarios made them angry. Critical
parenting was measured on a 5-point scale ranging from never to very often. Parents were asked
how often they express their anger to their children excessively. They were then asked how often
they feel their partner cares about them on a 4-point scale ranging from not at all to a lot.
Results
The study found a positive correlation between a child’s relationship with the parent and
the dynamics of their dating relationship.
Practical Significance
The significance of the results showed that working with parents on the relationship with
their children will have a long-term impact on the child’s skills involving dating relationships.
JOURNAL ARTICLE SUMMARY
4
References
Mumford, E. A., Liu, W., Copp, J. E., Taylor, B. G., MacLean, K., & Giordano, P. C. (2023).
Relationship dynamics and abusive interactions in a national sample of youth and young
adults. J Interpers Violence, 38(3-4), 3139-3164.
https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605221104536
