Doctoral Dissertations
Date of Award
8-2024
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Major
Psychology
Major Professor
Gregory L. Stuart
Committee Members
Todd Moore, Patricia Roberson, Gina Owens
Abstract
The intergenerational transmission of violence theory posits that individuals exposed to violence in childhood are more likely to experience violence in adulthood; however, studies supporting this association often examine the cumulative effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on later intimate partner violence (IPV), as opposed to the effects of individual types of ACEs. Recent research highlights the importance of developmental timing, supporting the contention that there are periods during which the effects of experience are particularly potent, yet few studies examined the association between developmental timing of ACEs on IPV. The present study sought to examine the association between ACE type and IPV perpetration and victimization among individuals for whom the age of ACE onset was earlier (i.e., age 0-5) or later (i.e., age 6-18) in childhood, and for those who experienced levels of benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) that were higher or lower than the mean of this sample. I hypothesized that ACE onset earlier in childhood would more saliently predict IPV perpetration and victimization, and that BCEs would moderate the association between ACEs and IPV. This study examined self-report, cross-sectional data from 1,236 college students (M = 19.06, SD= 1.87) who were in a romantic relationship. Hypotheses were partially supported. Witnessing abuse, neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse in childhood were positively associated with IPV in adulthood for those who experienced ACE age of onset in early childhood. BCEs moderated the association between sexual abuse in childhood and injury IPV in adulthood. These results provide preliminary evidence that ACE onset in early childhood is associated with IPV in adulthood. Future studies should examine study variables using prospective reports with diverse samples.
Recommended Citation
Romero, Gloria, "Type and Timing of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration and Victimization Among College Students. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 2024.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/10499