John Chapin, professor of communications at Penn State Beaver, is the co-author of “It won’t happen to me: Addressing adolescents’ risk perception of dating violence,” an article that appeared in the June edition of the International Journal of Violence and Schools/Journal International sur la Violence et l' École."
The publication is published in Paris in English and French. The article states that high school and middle school students are at the highest risk of domestic abuse and sexual assault of any age cohorts in the United States. A survey of 1,646 adolescents explored adolescents’ knowledge of dating violence, self-esteem, skewed risk perception and optimistic bias. Findings suggest that adolescents know about violence but common misconceptions persist. Violence prevention programs are key components in educating adolescents about violence, dating, risk and realistic perceptions. Chapin is widely recognized for his research, publications and outreach projects on behalf of victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. He has received numerous citations and awards in recognition of his work on behalf violence prevention.
Chapin can be contacted at jrc11@psu.edu or 724-773-3877.