Dating violence and mental health issues in Ecuadorian university students

Front Sociol. 2026 May 11;11:1743049. doi: 10.3389/fsoc.2026.1743049. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between dating violence and mental health issues in young university students in Ecuador examining differences between men and women.

METHODS: This investigation used a quantitative, descriptive and explanatory approach, cross-sectional design with a sample of 1,033 students. Two psychological scales were applied: Dating Violence Questionnaire-R (DVQ-R) and General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).

RESULTS: Revealed significant differences (p < 0.01) in the prevalence of dating violence, which was slightly higher in men, while women scored higher on mental health symptoms. In addition, it was observed that dating violence was significantly associated (p < 0.01) with poorer mental health, being associated of psychosomatic symptoms, anxiety, depression and social dysfunction, especially in woman.

CONCLUSION: This study found that dating violence represents a significant issue affecting both women and men. It is essential to adopt an inclusive and gender-sensitive approach to dating violence regardless of gender.

PMID:42200172 | PMC:PMC13199077 | DOI:10.3389/fsoc.2026.1743049