Cyber Dating Abuse Among Emerging Adult Latina Women

Cyber dating abuse is a type of IPV that emphasizes the role of technology-based communication platforms, such as texts and social media, to inflict harm on a romantic partner (Watkins et al., 2018). This emergent form of partner violence is unique in that the technological component makes victims accessible at any time or location and enables the abuse to be public via online social platforms, amplifying the humiliation of victims (Lu et al., 2018; Zweig et al., 2014).

This dissertation examines the experience of cyber dating abuse victimization among Latina women in emerging adulthood. There is particular emphasis on investigating the relationship between cyber dating abuse victimization and risk and protective factors. Study one implemented a strength-based approach to investigating culturally relevant factors against cyber dating abuse victimization. The relationship between acculturation and familial social support varied based on the subtypes of abuse. Specifically, the best fitting pathways in the structural equation model indicated that Latinx cultural orientation was protective against sexual cyber dating abuse victimization, and this relationship was mediated by family support.

Study two focused on examining the relationship between cyber dating abuse victimization and later experience of mental health symptoms and overall wellbeing, as well as polyvictimization. A longitudinal design was implemented with a three-month lag to test these relationships among a sample of Latina emerging adults. Findings indicated no relationship with these health outcomes. The existence of polyvictimization was supported by this study. Cyber dating abuse victimization increased likelihood of later in-person abuse. Findings highlight important considerations for violence prevention efforts.

Major Professor: Dr. Asia A. Eaton