Exploring the Dimensions and Correlates of Teen Economic Abuse Through a Cross-Sectional Survey.

Abstract

Purpose: Teen economic abuse (TEA) is an understudied form of adolescent relationship abuse with limited measures available to assess prevalence. The purpose of this article is to assess the underlying dimensions of survey items (developed with youth) to refine measurement of and validate the structures comprising TEA and examine differences in prevalence of TEA perpetration (Prp) and victimization (Vct) by demographic characteristics.

Methods: This cross-sectional, online survey was conducted between July and September 2021. Youth ages 13-19 who read English and reside in the United States were eligible to complete this study. Recruitment occurred through a national violence prevention listserv with an emphasis on reaching organizations serving youth who are unhoused, juvenile justice and child welfare-system involved, identifying as sexual or gender minorities, or from communities of color. Based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, negative binomial regression models were run to assess associations of demographic characteristics, with levels of TEA Vct and Prp.

Results: Adolescents who identify as White reported significantly more types of TEA exposures than their American Indian or Alaskan Native (adjusted incident rate ratios = 1.3; 95% CI = [1.1, 1.4]), Hispanic Latino (1.2 [1.1, 1.4]), and Multiracial peers (2.4 [1.8, 3.1]). Gender diverse adolescents (1.14 [1, 1.3]) and cisgender females (1.08 [1, 1.2]) had significantly more types of TEA exposures than cisgender males. Those with past-year physical or sexual violence in dating relationships reported more types of TEA exposures (4.1 [3.8, 4.4]) than those who had not experienced such violence. Adolescents with exposure to foster care or homelessness had more types of TEA (1.3 [1.2, 1.4]) than those without such experiences.

Discussion: Healthcare providers serving youth should be aware of how economic abuse manifests in adolescent relationships when providing support and resources for youth, especially those who are system-involved or experiencing housing instability. Findings also highlight the need for education about TEA and economic justice in violence prevention programs.