World of Psychology

Abuse Confused as Love

By Will Meek, PhD

Most people begin experimenting with romantic love as teenagers, and during that time they start experiencing what love and partnership means. Combining this with what may be complicated family histories can be a recipe for some problems.

According to a recent report on teenagers and domestic violence, approximately 1/3 of teenagers report fearing for their safety in romantic relationships, and 20% have actually experienced abuse. Experts note that some teenagers mistake possessiveness as a sign of love, when in fact it can be an element leading to abuse. If you’re a parent, it may be important to check in with your teen on how their love life is going and ensuring they are making safe decisions.


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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 11 Nov 2007
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.

APA Reference
Meek, W. (2007). Abuse Confused as Love. Psych Central. Retrieved on February 14, 2012, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2007/11/11/abuse-confused-as-love/

 

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