Taylor Beecher, “Intimate Partner Violence and Adverse Childhood Experiences in Sexual Minority Dating Relationships”
Mentor: Ryan Shorey, Psychology
Intimate partner violence (IPV), including physical, psychological, and sexual aggression, is equal to or greater in sexual minority (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual or another non-heterosexual identity) relationships than in heterosexual relationships (Walters, M.L., Chen J., & Breiding, M.J., 2013). IPV in sexual minority relationships can have more substantive negative outcomes compared to their heterosexual counterparts, such as increased depression, substance abuse, and health issues (Koeppel, M., & Bouffard, L., 2014). Research on heterosexual couples has shown a link between adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) and an increased risk for IPV perpetration (Widom, C. S., Czaja, S. J., & Dutton, M. A., 2014). There is a lack of research on the impact that experiencing ACE’s can have on IPV perpetration in sexual minority relationships. The current study of sexual minority young adults in dating relationships (N= 104) will investigate the relationship between ACE’s and IPV perpetration. This sample is part of an ongoing study that examines alcohol use, minority stress and IPV in sexual minority dating relationships. Participants completed measures related to ACE’s (Finkelhor et al., 2015) and IPV (Wolfe et al., 2001). We hypothesize that there will be a significant correlation between ACE’s and IPV perpetration. Findings will be presented and implications for future research will be discussed. This study will help identify risk factors for IPV perpetration in sexual minority populations.
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Taylor did a great job exploring the extant literature and presenting the gap in the literature in a concise way. The methodology, results, and discussion sections were clear and flowed well. Taylor was successful in highlighting the approach and the main findings. Although no significant correlations were found, I would have enjoyed seeing a table with these coefficients; however, due to the nature of this presentation understand that items such as appendices are not really plausible. Furthermore, the author was able to identify and state potential limitations of the current study. Lastly, the discussion section presented a concrete takeaway message and avenues for future inquiry. Overall, a very interesting and visually appealing presentation!