98 Teen dating violence (TDV) is an ongoing epidemic in the United States. Subsequently, gender symmetry regarding the experience and perpetration of violence continues to be a prevalent debate in American society. TDV is a clinical concern that can impact clients’ safety; therefore, counselors must be adequately trained and cognizant of any biases that may influence the assessment and treatment of survivors of abuse. We conducted a qualitative research study using case vignettes to explore how counseling students conceptualize and propose treatment of TDV with male and female clients. Six overarching categories and 19 corresponding themes emerged, with gender bias as the most notable finding of the study. We conclude by discussing the implications for counseling and providing recommendations for educational standards and best practices to reduce gender bias and promote more inclusive treatment. Keywords: teen dating violence, abuse, counseling students, gender bias, educational standards Teen dating violence (TDV) is an adverse childhood experience that often shapes future relationship patterns throughout adulthood (Emelianchik-Key et al., 2022; Offenhauer & Buchalter, 2011). As a result, TDV has become a significant public health concern among adolescents in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). After a compilation of prevalence rates, dating violence victimization rates range from 20%–53% in early adolescence (Goncy et al., 2017). In 2019 alone, one in 12 high school students reported physical and sexual violence within a dating relationship (CDC, 2021). Of those who reported intimate partner violence, 11 million women and 5 million men noted experiences of TDV before age 18 (CDC, 2021). TDV is characterized by physically or sexually violent acts that one adolescent perpetrates against another whom they are dating (CDC, 2021). This is inclusive of maladaptive behaviors, such as stalking and emotional abuse. In fact, emotional abuse (e.g., stonewalling, insulting language, social isolation, name-calling, gaslighting) exceeds the expression of physical violence within most teen dating relationships (Offenhauer & Buchalter, 2011). TDV compromises the physical and emotional safety of American youth and can potentially impair adolescent development (CDC, 2021; K. E. Hunt et al., 2022), including how young people learn emotional regulation and form healthy relationships. K. E. Hunt et al. (2022) noted that many complicated variables play a role in the development and the prevention of dating violence, with family of origin belief systems and peers contributing to social learning. This was apparent in Emelianchik-Key et al.’s (2022) qualitative study, which determined that young college-aged females consistently normalized and accepted toxic relationship behaviors as common and justified because of norms created by family, peers, and society. Further, the consequences of TDV on an adolescent’s psychological well-being and decision-making may be severe and persist over time, causing problems later in life. For example, Temple et al. (2013) determined a significant increase in the internalization of emotions in adolescent girls who experienced TDV. Youth with pre-existing mental health conditions are also at increased risk for traumatization by a relationship partner (Temple et al., 2013). Because TDV may lead to various mental health concerns, The Professional Counselor™ Volume 13, Issue 2, Pages 98–112 http://tpcjournal.nbcc.org © 2023 NBCC, Inc. and Affiliates doi: 10.15241/kek.13.2.98 Kelly Emelianchik-Key, Bridget Glass, Adriana C. Labarta Teen Dating Violence: Examining Counseling Students’ Responses to Gendered Vignettes Kelly Emelianchik-Key, PhD, NCC, ACS, LMFT, LMHC, is an associate professor at Florida Atlantic University. Bridget Glass, PhD, LMHC, is an assistant professor at South University. Adriana C. Labarta, PhD, LMHC, is an assistant professor at Florida Atlantic University. Correspondence may be addressed to Kelly Emelianchik-Key, 777 Glades Road, Bldg 47, Room 275, Boca Raton, FL 33431, Kemelian@fau.edu.
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