Dating violence and substance use in college students: A review of the literature

Dating violence is a serious and prevalent problem among college-aged dating couples. Although substance use has been shown to be associated with dating violence among college students in empirical studies, the use of substances as they relate to dating violence has yet to be systematically reviewed. The purpose of the present manuscript is to review research on dating violence (perpetration and victimization) and substance use (alcohol and drugs). First, theoretical explanations for the association between substances and dating violence are presented. Second, the literature on substance use and dating violence is reviewed. The literature suggests a consistent association between alcohol and dating violence perpetration and victimization, although the association between drug use and dating violence is less clear. Implications of this review for dating violence prevention programming and future research are discussed.

► Alcohol use and problems are consistently related to dating violence perpetration and victimization.
► Additional research is needed to determine the role of drug use on dating violence victimization and perpetration.
► Future research should examine theoretical models of substance use and dating violence.