A Meta-Analysis on the Relationship Between Child Maltreatment and Dating Violence in Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between experiencing child maltreatment and later involvement in an abusive dating relationship during adolescence and young adulthood (under the age of 25) and to examine possible moderators, including gender and maltreatment type. Method: This study was a meta-analysis comparing findings from 24 published studies. Results: Experiencing any type of child maltreatment was associated with an increased risk of involvement in an abusive dating relationship under the age of 25 (OR = 1.60, 95% CI, 1.47-1.75 p < .001). More specifically, child maltreatment was associated with an increased risk for dating violence victimization (OR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.53-1.94, p < .001), and DV perpetration (OR = 1.55, 95% CI, 1.40-1.71, p < .001). There were no statistically significant differences between males and females. Additionally, there were no significant differences between various maltreatment types (i.e., IPV exposure, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and general maltreatment). Conclusions: Child maltreatment is associated with an increased risk for involvement in dating violence, as both a perpetrator and a victim. Results appear not to differ by gender, nor by maltreatment type. Findings and recommendations for research in child maltreatment and dating violence are discussed.