A 20-year study of 800 people found that those who were violent as teenagers were more likely to engage in domestic violence as young adults.
Researchers at the University of Washington/Seattle began their study in 1985 when participants were in fifth grade. Those who were violent teenagers were more likely to partner with someone who had a similar history, and create a household in which people kicked, bit, and hit one another.
"Most people think youth violence and domestic violence are separate problems, but this study shows they are intertwined," said Professor Todd Herrenkohl, lead author of the study.
Dr. Herrenkohl said his work indicates that society could prevent domestic violence by teaching teenagers to be less aggressive.
This study appears in the journal
Violence and Victims.
Labels: aggression, violence