(PS4-45) Associations Between Cumulative Trauma Exposure and IPV Severity Among BIPOC Couples with Alcohol Use Disorder

Abstract Text: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a highly prevalent and preventable cause of death in the United States. Although IPV is multi-causal, lifetime trauma exposure is a well-established risk factor. IPV and trauma prevalence rates are particularly high among BIPOC (Black/African American, Indigenous, and People of Color) populations. Indeed, structural racism and racial discrimination increase susceptibility to both trauma exposure and IPV, and associations have been identified between lifetime trauma and IPV in BIPOC samples. Given the inherently dyadic nature of IPV, it is important to examine these associations in BIPOC romantic partners. In addition, given established associations between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and both IPV and trauma, these associations must be examined among those with AUD. This study explored individual and dyadic links between cumulative lifetime trauma and two forms of IPV – physical and psychological – among BIPOC couples reporting IPV in their current relationship. 

Data were merged from the baseline assessment of two clinical trials that enrolled couples with ongoing physical IPV and AUD. Statistical analyses revealed there were no significant differences on key study variables between the datasets. The final sample consisted of 47 couples (94 individuals; 52.1% female; mean age = 33.31) where both partners self-identified as BIPOC (73.4% Black/African American, 9.6% multiracial, 7.4% Asian-American; 11.7% Hispanic). Participants completed measures assessing cumulative lifetime trauma exposure (Traumatic Life Events Questionnaire; TLEQ) and physical and psychological IPV severity in the current relationship using the maximum scoring method (Revised Conflict Tactics Scale; CTS-2). Two actor-partner interdependence models were conducted. The models also controlled for alcohol problem severity using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). 

Individual history of trauma exposure was positively associated with psychological IPV severity (b = 2.54, p = .005, CI = .80, 4.29) but was not with physical IPV severity (b = 1.53, p = .055, CI = -.04, 3.1). Partners’ history of trauma exposure was positively associated with physical IPV severity (b = 1.76, p = .03, CI = .19, 3.32), but was only marginally associated with psychological IPV severity (b = 1.74, p = .050, CI = -.002, 3.48). 

Despite limitations of merging two data sets, findings from this secondary analysis indicate that individual trauma exposure elevates risk for more severe psychological IPV, while partners’ trauma exposure elevates risk for both physical and (marginally) psychological IPV. Results highlight the importance of a dyadic approach to IPV, as a partner’s history also contributes to the presence and severity of IPV. Results are consistent with non-dyadic research linking IPV victimization and perpetuation to both trauma types in BIPOC samples, and further extends this literature using dyadic data in an AUD sample. Substantial disparities exist between BIPOC vs. Non-Hispanic White individuals in terms of treatment access and utilization for AUD, trauma, and IPV. Our results suggest that future investment in couples-focused treatment protocols for AUD, trauma, and IPV are crucial for BIPOC individuals.