The embody study: A biobehavioral study of teen dating violence

Burton, Candace W.

Friday, March 20, 2015: 10:15 AM-11:35 AM

Room 5 (Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel)

Speaker:
Candace W. Burton, PhD, RN, AFN-BC, Virginia Commonwealth University, VCU Institute for Women's Health

PDF file

Presentation Format:
Scientific Program Report

Learning Objectives:

Be able to describe at least two possible biobehavioral outcomes of teen dating violence.
Be able to identify biobehavioral characteristics associated with the experience of teen dating violence.
Be able to state the importance of biobehavioral study in developing trauma-informed care for women who have experienced teen dating violence.

Description:
The EMBODY study examines relationships among epigenetic alterations, acquired chromosomal changes, biologic stress measures, and biobehavioral characteristics in identical, female twin pairs discordant for experiences of teen dating violence (TDV). We assess individual and environmental characteristics, sleep status, exercise habits, social support, perceived daily stress, depressive and trauma symptoms via survey. Peripheral blood is analyzed for telomere length, chromosome instability, and methylation. The results of this study have potential to enhance health care practice with young women affected by TDV.