TITLE Date Violence and Rape among Adolescents: Associations with Psychological Health.

This study assessed the prevalence of date violence and rape among adolescents in order to examine the associations between date violence and rape, and eating disorders and psychopathology. The study also attempted to determine if these associations remained significant after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. A Minnesota school-based sample of 81,247 boys and girls in grades 9 and 12 completed the Minnesota Student Survey. Overall, approximately 9 % of the girls and 6 % of the boys reported date rape or violence. Significant differences were found across race and grade. Date violence and rape was associated with higher rates of disordered eating and suicide behaviors, and lower scores on measures of emotional well-being and self-esteem. Over 50 % of youth who reported both date rape and violence had attempted suicide. Results suggest that abusive dating experiences may disrupt normal developmental processes for adolescents. These disruptions may be manifested through thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. (Author/JDM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Date violence and rape among adolescents: Associations with psychological healt