Sexual Orientation, Social Support Networks, and Dating Violence in an Ethnically Diverse Group of College Students

Abstract

Male peer support theory is based on same-gender influences on men perpetrating dating violence against women. However, research indicates that male peer support theory might not hold for cross-gender influences and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) relationships. This study examined across sexual orientation the composition of social support networks and their influence on dating violence in an ethnically diverse group of college students. The results indicated composition of networks and frequency of dating violence was similar across sexual orientation, but the influence of networks differed across sexual orientation. Policies and services targeting LGB students experiencing dating violence should consider the influence of networks.

KEYWORDS:

• dating violence
• sexual orientation
• support networks

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The study presented in this article was based on the first author's master's thesis. We would like to thank Brett Stoudt for his helpful comments, Shara Davis for coordinating data collection, and Abbie Tuller and Julie Sriken for their support. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors.