Effect of Victimization and Perceived Support on Maintenance of Dating Relationships Among College Students in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Abstract

This study analyzes the influence of the victimization suffered (sexual, physical, coercion, humiliation, and emotional punishment) and the support network available (as Independent Variables (IIVV)) on the trajectory of young couples (feeling trapped in a relationship, Dependent Variable (DV)). A total of 990 Mexican university students (M = 19.5, SD = 1.82 years) of both sexes (66% women) participated in the study. Family and friends were perceived as providing the greatest support (in over 85% of respondents), while the resources provided by the university (teachers, central resources) were regarded as unhelpful by 40%. A linear regression analysis showed that the feeling of being trapped in the relationship was influenced by all the IIVV (*p < .05), although perceived support proved to be a poor predictor (beta = -.053). A path analysis reflected a negative effect of coercion (regression weight = -.533) and physical violence (-.926) on perceived support, with all forms of victimization being precursors for feeling trapped in a relationship. These results show the negative effect of victimization on expectations of support in young people, which may make it difficult to begin the process of seeking help. They also highlight the need to increase the visibility of resources available in educational settings to provide an early response to intimate partner violence.