The Intersection of Mental Health and Intimate Partner Violence Among Adolescents in Kenya: A Qualitative Study.

This study examines intersections between adolescent mental health and intimate partner violence (IPV) in rural southwestern Kenya through focus groups with adolescents (9-17) and caregivers of adolescents. Blended community participatory and thematic analysis identified drivers of mental health problems and IPV. Financial pressures and familial conflict influence adolescent well-being. Partner financial expectations perceived or actual unfaithfulness, and beliefs about violence are unique drivers of IPV. Substance use and sexual risk behaviors serve as links between mental health and IPV. Results contribute to a framework mapping risk pathways throughout dating relationships, supporting the need to test novel integrated interventions addressing both mental health and IPV simultaneously.

Duke Scholars

Author Eve S. Puffer Psychology & Neuroscience