Physical Dating Aggression and Proximal Changes in Psychosocial Symptoms in Young Adulthood

Purpose Physical dating aggression is prevalent within young adulthood, yet little is known about within-relationship effects of physical dating aggression on psychosocial adjustment. The present study uses an intensive longitudinal design to capture proximal changes (i.e., one month later, and across 6 months) in psychosocial adjustment following physical dating aggression. Methods Between 2014 and 2016, data was collected in six monthly waves from 120 participants ages 18-25 (50% female, M age Wave 1 = 22.44; 10% African American, 17.5% Hispanic. 62.5% Caucasian). Results Both immediate changes in the level of psychosocial adjustment and the growth trajectory of psychosocial adjustment were examined. Wave 1 physical dating aggression was associated with immediate changes in internalizing and trauma symptoms. Further, Wave 1 physical dating aggression predicted increased growth in both externalizing and internalizing symptoms. Conclusions Findings highlight that psychological consequences of physical dating aggression may emerge quickly, with implications for potential increased risk for subsequent involvement in physical dating aggression.