Factors Affecting Dating Violence in Adolescence

Prior research has named many risk and protective factors associated with adolescent dating violence (ADV). However, comparatively little research has examined how substance use intersects with these risk and protective factors or how effective interventions can be designed to address both issues of substance use and ADV simultaneously. The purpose of the current study is to examine the relationship between substance use and ADV, with a particular focus on perpetration of ADV during adolescence. This literature review synthesizes existing research to identify factors associated with ADV, evaluate theoretical frameworks that explain ADV, and examine how substance use contributes to ADV perpetration. Findings across studies indicate that substance use—particularly alcohol and marijuana—is associated with an increased likelihood of physical and emotional dating violence perpetration among adolescents. Evidence supporting associations with other forms of dating violence, such as sexual or controlling behaviors, is more limited and inconsistent. The review also highlights substantial gaps in intervention research and emphasizes the need for prevention strategies that address shared risk factors for substance use and dating violence during adolescence.