Exploring Latinx Youth Experiences of Digital Dating Abuse

Abstract

Abstract Digital dating abuse (DDA), which is the use of social media and mobile phones to abuse a dating partner, is a common and harmful form of dating violence among youths. To date, this issue has not been studied among Latinx youths. The current study examined DDA among a sample of 70 Latinx youths with dating experience, using survey data on participants’ experiences with traditional forms of offline dating violence, DDA victimization and perpetration, healthy relationship knowledge, and self-reported conflict resolution skills. Results showed that Latinx youths experienced DDA and that there was a strong link between DDA and offline forms of dating abuse. Most participants reported high levels of healthy relationship knowledge and conflict resolution skills, but results indicated a link between DDA experience and fewer positive conflict resolution behaviors. The study has implications for the assessment and prevention of DDA among diverse populations of youths, supports the incorporation of conflict resolution skills in dating violence prevention efforts, and calls for future research on the cultural context of DDA among Latinx youths.