Intergenerational transmission of childhood interpersonal trauma in adults entering therapy for intimate partner violence: The role of identity diffusion

• DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107258
• Publication Date: 2025-01-24T08:42:40Z
• Authors: Janik Gélinas; Aurélie Claing; Caroline Dugal; Claudia Savard; Marie-Ève Daspe; Katherine Péloquin; Natacha Godbout; Audrey Brassard
• Keywords: Interpersonal violence

Childhood Interpersonal Trauma (CIT) is a major public health issue that increases the risk of perpetrating and sustaining intimate partner violence (IPV) in adulthood, perpetuating intergenerational cycles violence. Yet, explanatory mechanisms behind transmission trauma warrant further exploration. This study explored identity diffusion as an mechanism linking cumulative individual CIT (sexual, physical psychological abuse, neglect, witnessing parental or IPV, bullying) to IPV physical, psychological, coercive control) next generation's exposure family Gender differences (men, women, gender diversity) these links were examined. A sample 846 adults (60.4 % men, 36.4 3.2 diverse) entering therapy across 21 community specialized organizations recruited. Participants completed brief validated questionnaires assessing CIT, diffusion, perpetration victimization, new Four path analysis models showed bullying indirectly associated with adult generation through higher (βs ranging 0.037-0.091). Cumulative was not related for diverse individuals, nor victimization this group. highlights relevance trauma-sensitive identity-focused interventions consider familial history effectively address trauma.