Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration in a Turkish Female Sample: Rejection Sensitivity and...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Criminology

Background:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global concern, with recent research highlighting its bidirectional nature, affecting both men and women as victims and perpetrators.
• The cycle of violence theory suggests child abuse and neglect (CAN) is a risk factor for IPV involvement, while developmental perspectives explore mediating mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between CAN and IPV victimization/perpetration in women.
• To investigate the mediating roles of rejection sensitivity and hostility in the relationship between CAN and IPV.
• To determine if specific types of CAN predict IPV through these mediators, controlling for co-occurring trauma.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 288 Turkish women in current or recent relationships completed online surveys.
• Statistical analyses, including Bootstrap methods, were used to assess mediation pathways.
• The study controlled for co-occurring types of childhood trauma.

Main Results:

• Total CAN scores were significantly associated with both IPV victimization and perpetration.
• Rejection sensitivity mediated the link between CAN and victimization.
• Hostility mediated the link between CAN and perpetration.
• Childhood emotional maltreatment specifically predicted victimization via rejection sensitivity and perpetration via hostility, independent of other CAN types.

Conclusions:

• Childhood trauma, particularly emotional maltreatment, contributes to women's involvement in IPV as both victims and perpetrators.
• Rejection sensitivity and hostility are key psychological mediators in the pathway from CAN to IPV.
• Findings underscore the importance of considering developmental and psychological factors in IPV research and practice, moving beyond solely gendered perspectives.