The Association Between Dating Violence Victimization and the Well-Being of Young People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: There is a broad consensus on the detrimental consequences of dating violence, yet its association with well-being remains underexplored. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the relationship between dating violence victimization and subjective, psychological, and social well-being among adolescents and emerging adults. Method: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, a structured search in Scopus, Web of Science, and APA PsycInfo databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria encompassed participants between 10 and 29 years, peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2021, explicit measures of well-being, a focus on experiences of dating violence victimization, and an examination of the relationship between these two phenomena. Results: A total of 11 studies gathering 11,435 participants were included. An association was found between victimization and low levels of well-being, in both adolescence and emerging adulthood, with variables such as frequency, severity, type of victimization, and gender emerging as significant. Heterogeneity was estimated using the Q statistic and the I2 index, and publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger's test. The meta-analysis showed a significant medium effect (r = -0.23, p < .01), linking experiencing victimization with lower levels of well-being both in adolescence and emerging adulthood. Conclusions: Dating violence can have a profound impact on the well-being of young people. To prevent such dynamics and promote positive outcomes, it is crucial to recognize gender similarities and differences while addressing the normalization of violence from an early age. This requires a developmental perspective and the consideration of the protective role of well-being.