Optimistic bias about dating/relationship violence among teens

Abstract

A survey of American adolescents documented optimistic bias regarding intimate partner violence (IPV). Teenagers believe they are less likely than peers to become victims of violence by a boyfriend or girlfriend, despite reporting some first-hand experience with violence. Optimistic bias was predicted by prior knowledge of dating and relationship violence and perceptions about media influence. The findings indicate that optimistic bias is more than an esteem-preserving mechanism and point to new directions in research by exploring linkages to cultivation effects. The study also extends the optimistic bias literature by utilizing an adolescent sample and exploring IPV as a context.

Keywords:

• adolescents
• intimate partner violence
• dating and relationship violence
• optimistic bias
• risk perception