Does psychopathy mediate the relationship between exposure to intimate partner violence in childhood and the perpetration of intimate partner violence in adulthood?

Abstract

Exposure to intimate partner violence during childhood has been linked to both intimate partner violence perpetration in adulthood and psychopathy. However, the role of psychopathy in the connection between exposure to intimate partner violence during childhood and later intimate partner violence perpetration is less understood. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between exposure to intimate partner violence during childhood, psychopathy, and the frequency of intimate partner violence perpetration while examining the mediating role of psychopathy. A sample of 245 men convicted of intimate partner violence in Portugal was recruited from prison and the community. Exposure to intimate partner violence was significantly associated with both the frequency of intimate partner violence perpetration in adulthood and psychopathy, and psychopathy was correlated with the frequency of intimate partner violence perpetration. Psychopathy did not act as a mediator in the relationship between exposure to intimate partner violence and the frequency of intimate partner violence perpetration. These findings underscore the significance of exposure to intimate partner violence during childhood and emphasize the necessity for increased attention to early adverse experiences that precede the development of maladaptive traits and behaviors.