Abstract
BackgroundThis paper describes the nature and characteristics of the dating relationships of adolescent females, including any of their experiences of abuse.MethodsA grounded theory approach was used with 22 theoretically sampled female adolescents ages 15–18.ResultsSeveral important themes emerged: Seven stages of dating consistently described the relationships of female adolescents. A circle consisting of two interacting same sex peer groups provided structure for each teen as they navigated the dating course. The circle was the central factor affecting a female adolescent's potential for risk or harm in dating relationships. Teens defined abuse as an act where the intention is to hurt. Having once succumbed to sexual pressure, teens felt unable to refuse sex in subsequent situations.ConclusionAn awareness of both the stages of dating and the dynamics of the circle will assist health care providers to plan and implement interventions in the female adolescent population. Study findings on factors and influences that support non-abusive versus abusive relationship might help identify female teens at risk and/or support interventions aimed at preventing dating violence.
Highlights
This paper describes the nature and characteristics of the dating relationships of adolescent females, including any of their experiences of abuse
Grounded theory methods are based on symbolic interactionism
The paradigm of symbolic interactionism is presented here in order to provide an overlaying construct to support the use of grounded theory in the study of adolescent dating violence
Summary
This paper describes the nature and characteristics of the dating relationships of adolescent females, including any of their experiences of abuse. Paul and White [2] describe three stages in the development of intimate relationships in late adolescence. Elkind [3] described teens as becoming in love with love; their notion of love is idealistic and when the ideal doesn't match up to reality their early romantic encounters can be a shock. Accomplishment of these stages leads to healthy dating relationships. The purpose of this study was to explore the nature and characteristics of adolescent females' dating relationships, including any experiences of abuse
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