Childhood Trauma, Emotion Dysregulation, and Intimate Partner Violence: Does Trauma Type Matter?

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect nearly 45% of children in the United States and can lead to negative physical and mental health symptoms among survivors. In addition to these health impacts, ACEs have been linked to emotion dysregulation and an increased likelihood of experiencing subsequent intimate partner violence (IPV). Social learning theory helps to elucidate these associations. The present study sought to examine the ways in which specific types of ACEs (e.g., abuse and neglect) contributed to later IPV victimization. The sample included 636 participants recruited through CloudResearch. Participants completed an online survey, which included measures of ACEs, emotion dysregulation, and IPV. There was a significant and positive correlation between each type of ACE and emotion dysregulation. There was also a significant and positive correlation between emotion dysregulation and IPV victimization. Finally, there were significant indirect effects between both abuse and neglect and IPV victimization mediated by emotion dysregulation. Results suggest that current trauma-informed treatments should incorporate emotion regulation skills for this population.