Effects of Abusive Parenting, Caretaker Arrests, and Deviant Behavior on Dating Violence Among Homeless Young Adults

Abstract

Although dating violence is widespread among young adult homeless populations, its risk factors are poorly understood by scholars. To address this gap, this study uses a social learning theory to examine the effects of abusive parenting and caretaker arrests on dating violence among 172 homeless young adults. Results from path analyses revealed that child physical abuse and caretaker arrests were positively associated with engaging in a greater number of school fights, which, in turn, was strongly and positively correlated with participating in more deviant subsistence strategies (e.g., stealing) since being on the street. Young people who participated in a greater number of delinquent acts were more likely to report higher levels of dating violence. Study results highlight the extent of social learning within the lives of homeless young adults, which is evident prior to their leaving home and while they are on the street.

KEYWORDS:

• child physical abuse
• dating violence
• delinquent behavior
• homeless young adults

Additional information

Funding

This article is based on research supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (MH064897), Dr. Kimberly A. Tyler, Principal Investigator.