Psychological Mechanisms Associated with Depression Symptoms and Help-Seeking Intentions Related to Adolescent Dating Violence
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Authors
Yung, Patrick
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
adolescent dating violence , dating volence , disclosure of dating violence , blame attribution
Alternative Title
Abstract
Adolescent dating violence victimization is associated with negative mental and physical health problems including depression (Barter & Stanley, 2016; Exner-Cortens et al., 2017). Many adolescents do not seek help when victimized by their romantic partners (Bundock et al., 2020). The current thesis comprised two research studies that examined how psychological mechanisms were associated with depression symptoms and help-seeking intentions for adolescents victimized by dating violence. Study 1 was guided by Attribution Theory (Kelley, 1987) and examined the role of blame attributions in dating violence. I found that adolescent girls who attributed blame to victimized individuals experienced higher levels of depression symptoms when victimized. Blame attributions may represent an important process in internalizing dating violence victimization and may reflect general psychological vulnerability. Study 2 examined attitudes and beliefs associated with help-seeking intentions. I found that positive attitudes about the expected outcomes of help-seeking were associated with help-seeking intentions for victimized adolescents. Among help-seeking sources, friends were the most frequently sought out for help. This research demonstrated that psychological mechanisms such as attributions, attitudes, and beliefs are associated with both the interpretation of dating violence and help-seeking intentions. The results have important implications for adolescent dating violence prevention and intervention programs.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
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Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.