Is adolescent sibling violence a precursor to college dating violence?

Objective: To determine whether experiencing sibling violence in adolescence is a significant predictor for later dating violence. The influence of parent-to-child and parent-to-parent violence is also explored.

Methods: A modified version of the CTS2 was administered to community college students. The survey instrument used the CTS2 psychological and physical assault subscales.

Results: Adolescent sibling violence was a predictor for college dating violence. Males reported experiencing more sibling violence than females did, but females reported experiencing more dating violence, both as perpetrators and victims.

Conclusion: Further research is needed to improve understanding of the reasons for and the long-term consequences of sibling violence.