Relevant variables related to intimate partner violence in young couples: a review

Intimate partner violence in young couples is a predictor of future violence in older couples. Among young couples violence tends to be emotional (non physical) and it is more subtle and less severe than in older couples. As far as young aggressors are concerned, violence is more frequent when they have an abnormal personality (high impulsiveness, anger, lack of empathy, low self-esteem), mental disorders (alcohol and drug abuse, pathological jealousy), positive attitudes towards violence and violence experiences in prior couple relationships. Regarding victims, young women can become victims more easily if they get engaged early in their teens, if they have some psychological deficits (such as a low self-esteem, emotional deprivation or lack of assertiveness), if they lack familiar or social support, if they are involved in risky behaviors or in a drug addicts atmosphere. The most important current challenges for further research are to determine the specific weight of these factors, as well as to implement effective prevention programs.