Alcohol Use and Mental Health as Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence From Adolescence to Young Adulthood
Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is alarmingly high among adolescents and young adults. Research has shown that alcohol use is both a precursor for IPV perpetration and a consequence of IPV victimization among adolescents and young adults. In addition, theory suggests there are critical mental health factors, such as depression and PTSD symptoms, associated with both alcohol use and IPV. However, no research has prospectively examined how depression and PTSD symptomology may moderate the relationship between alcohol use and IPV from adolescence into young adulthood. Thus, this study used multi-wave longitudinal data to investigate the role of depression and PTSD in the relationship between alcohol use and IPV perpetration and victimization among a racially diverse sample of adolescents (N = 1042) who completed annual surveys across 11 years (age 15-26). Results suggest alcohol use and IPV is prevalent and stable from age 15-26. The link between alcohol use and IPV peaks between the ages of 18-22, with particularly high risk observed at ages 18-19 and 20-22. During late adolescence (i.e., ages 18-19), higher symptoms of PTSD strengthened the relationship between alcohol use and subsequent psychological IPV perpetration. Unexpectedly, the risk for alcohol use did not increase following victimization. Primary prevention should target late childhood, prior to the initiation of alcohol use and IPV. Tailored content that addresses mental health challenges and developmental transitions may be beneficial in late adolescence and early adulthood to prevent alcohol-related IPV.
Author: Grocott, Lauren
Institution: University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7219519293