Social Support as a Moderator Between Dating Violence Victimization and Depression/Anxiety Among African American and Caucasian Adolescents

Victimization in dating relationships was examined among 681 African American and Caucasian adolescents. Specifically, perceived social support was evaluated as a moderator between (a) physical dating violence victimization and anxiety/depression and (b) emotional abuse in dating relationships and anxiety/depression. Youth completed self-report measures of victimization in dating relationships, psychological functioning, and perceived familial and peer social support. Results indicated that 37% reported physical dating violence and 62% reported emotional abuse in dating relationships. Greater physical and emotional dating victimization was associated with more anxiety/depression. Moreover, social support moderated the association between victimization and psychological well-being, particularly for African American males. Findings highlight the powerful influence of perceived social support among adolescent targets of physical violence and emotional abuse in dating relationships.