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Single Versus Multiple Intimate Partner Violence Relationships: Current Severity of Psychological Distress Among
Julie A Hurd1,2, Sarah T Giff1,2, Emily Hall2
1Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|July 4, 2026
Summary
Experiencing multiple instances of physical intimate partner violence (IPV) is linked to increased depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). These findings highlight the importance of considering relationship dynamics in IPV research for both men and women.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Lifetime exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with adverse mental health outcomes.
- Previous research on multiple IPV exposures has largely focused on individual women.
- The dyadic impact of multiple physical IPV exposures on psychological health requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between experiencing multiple physical intimate partner violent relationships (IPVRs) versus a singular physical IPVR and the severity of depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS).
- To explore potential moderating effects of gender and current physical IPV victimization severity on these associations within romantic couples.
Main Methods:
- A subsample of 116 romantic partners with at least one physical IPVR was analyzed.
- Two multilevel models were employed to assess associations between multiple physical IPVRs, gender, and current IPV severity with depression and PTSS.
- Analyses controlled for dyadic interdependence and alcohol problem severity.
Main Results:
- Experiencing multiple physical IPVRs was significantly associated with greater depression symptoms and PTSS compared to a singular physical IPVR.
- Higher alcohol problem severity was also linked to increased PTSS.
- No significant moderating effects were found for gender or current physical IPV victimization severity.
Conclusions:
- The study underscores the importance of analyzing physical IPV and its psychological sequelae within a dyadic framework.
- Intervention and prevention strategies targeting individuals with multiple physical IPVRs could benefit the psychological well-being of both men and women.
- Future research should continue to explore the complex interplay of IPV, relationship dynamics, and mental health outcomes.
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