Suffolk Reporter

A recent study conducted by Stony Brook University has revealed that adolescent boys who experience violence are more likely to engage in intimate partner violence (IPV). The research, led by Rachel Kidman, utilized weekly mobile phone surveys from nearly 500 boys aged 15 to 19 living in Soweto, South Africa. The data was collected over two years from 2020 to 2022 and is detailed in a paper published in PLOS One.

The study focuses on the immediate effects of daily violence exposure during adolescence and its link to IPV perpetration. While previous research has shown that childhood abuse can lead to future violent behavior, this study examines how current experiences influence actions.

Participants completed surveys with parental consent, ensuring privacy. Support from counselors and social workers was available throughout the process. The region where the study took place is known for high rates of violence and IPV among adolescents, alongside increased HIV transmission risks.

Surveys assessed verbal, physical, and sexual violence experienced within the past day. A total of 12,603 responses were analyzed to explore the connection between victimization and IPV perpetration.

Kidman noted that "on days that they experienced violence themselves, boys were much more likely to perpetrate violence against intimate partners." This finding highlights an overlooked dynamic not captured by existing literature focusing on long-term processes.

The research expands understanding in three key areas: emphasizing the significance of adolescence for ages 15-19 regarding victimization and IPV links; using mobile surveys for real-time data collection reduces recall bias; demonstrating how dynamic exposure influences daily IPV behavior.

Kidman suggested interventions targeting emotion regulation skills could disrupt this cycle of violence during adolescence. Further studies are recommended to pinpoint factors contributing to same-day IPV perpetration.

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Mental Health under Award R01MH119878.