The moderating role of support systems in associations between dating violence and depressive symptoms among Black adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: Black adolescents, particularly those in low-income areas, are disproportionately exposed to dating violence. Given the associations between dating violence victimization and mental health, research must explore factors that may mitigate these effects in adolescence. Therefore, we investigated the potential buffering role of family support and nonparental adult (NPA) support in the relation between dating violence victimization and depressive symptoms among 180 Black adolescents. We also tested gender differences. METHOD: This study utilized data from a larger project conducted in the Southeastern United States. The present study was composed of 180 adolescents (aged 12-17 years) who identified as Black or African American. The sample was 51.1% female. RESULTS: Findings indicated that there were no significant gender differences in associations, so findings are for males and females. Psychological dating violence victimization predicted greater depressive symptoms, while family support predicted lower depressive symptoms. Family support and NPA support were both significant moderators. Among adolescents with low family support, psychological dating violence predicted greater depressive symptoms, but this relation was not significant among adolescents with high family support. Additionally, among adolescents with low NPA support, physical dating violence predicted greater depressive symptoms, but this relation was not significant among adolescents with high NPA support. CONCLUSIONS: Findings build on the limited research on dating violence among Black adolescents, highlighting the role of social support systems in protecting against adverse mental health outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).