Browsing by Author "Naskali, Anni"

Studies have shown that childhood physical abuse is associated with later adverse psychological development and mental health. Additionally, people who have experienced physical abuse have a higher risk for later violence. However, most people who have experienced childhood abuse do not become violent offenders which implies that the two factors are not directly linked. Mediating factors might account for the relationship. Alcohol related problems and antisocial personality disorder are psychiatric disorders which have been associated with childhood physical abuse and intimate partner violence. These disorders are examined here as possible mediators in the relationship between childhood physical abuse and later intimate partner violence. There are mixed results concerning the mediating role of alcohol related problems. These results indicate that alcohol related problems do not mediate the relationship between childhood abuse and violence. Alcohol related problems might work as a mediator for individuals with other risk factors. Studies have found that antisocial personality disorder has a mediating role in the relationship between childhood physical abuse and intimate partner violence. Abuse in childhood combined with a genetic risk for antisocial personality may lead to the development of the disorder which increases the risk for violence. In order to develop effective interventions, it is important to understand the adverse effects of childhood abuse. Moreover, mediating factors should be considered when designing interventions targeting intimate partner violence.