How dating violence affects LGBTQ+ teens over time

Trajectories of intimate partner violence among sexual minority youth

['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11378631

This project follows sexual minority teens (ages 13–17) to learn how dating violence starts and changes, who is most affected, and how it relates to mental health and substance use.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11378631 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would be followed over time with repeated surveys to record experiences of both being hurt by and using dating violence, along with questions about mood, substance use, and housing. The research team will look for differences within LGBTQ+ teens by race, ethnicity, sex, and whether they live in urban or rural areas. They will also measure stress tied to being a sexual minority and protective factors like access to supportive services. The aim is to understand when and why violence happens so prevention and support can be better targeted.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Sexual minority adolescents aged about 13–17 (teens who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, or another non-heterosexual orientation) who are willing to answer questions about relationships and health.

Not a fit: Younger children, adults, or teens who do not identify as a sexual minority or who cannot or will not share relationship experiences are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help create better-targeted prevention and support programs to reduce dating violence and its mental health impacts for LGBTQ+ adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows higher rates of dating violence among sexual minority teens but has mostly been cross-sectional, so this longer-term approach to measuring both perpetration and victimization is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.