Associations among depressive symptoms, dating violence, and relationship power in urban, adolescent girls.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the associations among dating violence (DV), aggression, relationship power, and depressive symptoms.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey secondary analysis.


METHODS
An urban, school based health center, October, 2009 through May, 2009.


METHODS
Low income, adolescent girls (n = 155), ages 14-18.


METHODS
Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted to illustrate patterns and associations among variables. Key variables included depressive symptoms, DV victimization and aggression, and relationship power. We used mediation analyses to determine the direct and indirect effects among variables.


RESULTS
Both DV victimization and aggression were reported frequently. Furthermore, DV victimization had a significant direct effect on depression and an indirect effect through relationship power. Depressive symptoms and relationship power were associated with DV aggression. Although relationship power did have a significant inverse effect on depressive symptoms, it was not through DV aggression.


CONCLUSIONS
Complex associations remain between mental health and DV; however, relationship power partially accounts for DV victimization's effect on depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms are associated with DV victimization and aggression; therefore, nurses should address relationship power in clinical and community interventions.
Centers for Health Equity Research and Global Woman's Health, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Boulevard, 233L, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4217, USA. evolpe@nursing.upenn.edu
Ellen M
EM
Volpe
Thomas L
TL
Hardie
Catherine
C
Cerulli
D000293:Adolescent; D003380:Courtship / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009511:New England; D011203:Poverty; D011209:Power, Psychological; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D014505:Urban Population; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology*