Childhood Adversity and Intimate Partner Violence in Adulthood: The Mediating Influence of PTSD in a Sample of Women Prisoners

Keywords

adverse childhood experiences, mental health, intimate partner violence, life course theory, feminist pathways

Abstract

Although past research documents strong linkages between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and adult intimate partner violence (IPV) in the lives of women prisoners, researchers have often neglected to consider the potential mediating role of PTSD in the relationships between ACEs and adult IPV. Using data from a stratified random sample of all incarcerated women in Oklahoma (N = 334), we explore the relationships between ACEs, PTSD symptomology, and adult IPV utilizing a feminist life course theoretical framework. Results indicate that PTSD symptomology fully mediates the relationship between ACEs and adult IPV, suggesting that PTSD may be central to understanding pathways to adult IPV as well as offending and incarceration for women. Implications and suggestions for policy and future research are offered.

Original Publication Citation

Jones, M. S., Peck, B. M., Sharp, S. F., & McLeod, D. A. (2019). Childhood Adversity and Intimate Partner Violence in Adulthood: The Mediating Influence of PTSD in a Sample of Women Prisoners. Journal of Interpersonal Violence.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2019-04-26

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6769

Publisher

Journal of Interpersonal Violence

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

Share

COinS