Parenting processes and dating violence: the mediating role of self-esteem in low- and high-SES adolescents

J Adolesc. 2006 Aug;29(4):495-512. doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2005.10.002. Epub 2005 Nov 17.

Abstract

The current investigation tested a model in which low self-esteem mediated the effects by parenting processes (monitoring, closeness, and support) on measures of dating violence (victimization, perpetration, attitudes, and perceptions) in a sample of adolescents (n=809; mean age=16.4 years) from both low- and high-socioeconomic (SES) backgrounds. Hierarchical regression analyses provided evidence that low self-esteem partially mediated the link between parenting processes and dating violence, with unique differences observed between low- and high-SES youth. Specifically, in low-SES youth, low self-esteem mediated the relationship between closeness as well as support and dating violence behaviours, while in high-SES youth, it only mediated the relationship between maternal support and dating violence attitudes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attitude
  • Domestic Violence*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parenting*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Class
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires