Exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) is frequently touted as the most influential predictor of dating violence during adolescence and IPV during adulthood. This association (i.e., IPV exposure and later involvement in dating violence and IPV) is often referred to as the “intergenerational transmission of violence” (ITV). Recent studies have provided support for this association, such that IPV exposure is associated with an increased likelihood of perpetrating and/or being victimized by IPV; however, this same research has highlighted methodological issues in the current ITV literature, suggesting further research is warranted. This symposium, comprised of four distinct studies that utilize different methodological approaches, will highlight the complexity within ITV with implications for future research, as well as prevention and intervention efforts with IPV-exposed youth.

Objectives

1. To highlight the complexity in measuring key aspects of the association between exposure to intimate partner violence AND dating violence during adolescence and young adulthood (i.e., intergenerational transmission of violence);2. To demonstrate four distinct methodological approaches for examining the intergenerational transmission of violence and how each approach adds increasing complexity to our scientific understanding; and,3. To discuss how measurement of the intergenerational transmission of violence matters for practice and policy pertaining to youth exposed to intimate partner violence, as well as adolescents and young adults' romantic relationships.