PREVALENCE OF DATING VIOLENCE IN A SAMPLE OF MEXICAN ADOLESCENT MALES

Some recent studies on dating violence have suggested that both sexes can be aggressors or recipients of violence. Therefore, this research explores the frequency with which 295 males, aged between 15 and 18, exercise and suffer violence in their dating relationships. It was used the Violence in Adolescents’ Dating Relationships Inventory which pointe out a greater frequency of responses in the violence suffered about control and isolation compared to the rest of the verbal, physical and sexual behaviors. There was a significant positive association between the duration of the relationship and relationship satisfaction, and between the perpetration and victimization of control and isolation behaviors. There was a negative correlation between the satisfaction of the relationship and the suffered severe direct violence. The results suggest a possible bidirectionality of dating violence. On the other hand, higher satisfaction levels of the relationship are associated with lower levels of violence. The results are discussed from a relational and inclusive gender perspective. Key words: Dating violence, Relationship satisfaction, Teenagers, Mexican.