Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences: Physical and Mental Health, and Intimate Partner Violence

Adverse childhood experiences are linked to lasting negative effects on physical and mental health. One of these effects is precisely the likelihood of a higher risk of victimization in adulthood, especially in contexts of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study examines the association between these experiences and mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, and stress), as well as somatic manifestations, in women suffering IPV in Spain. Participants were 92 women aged between 18 and 71 years (M = 41.26, SD = 10.83), included in a program for women victims of gender-based violence and/or at risk of social exclusion. The instruments used were the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire, the Somatic Complaints List, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Results revealed that adverse childhood experiences were more consistently associated with mental health indicators (depression, anxiety, stress, psychological problems, etc.) but not with physical health variables (somatic complaints). The need to integrate adverse childhood experiences into mental health and IPV assessments is emphasized, along with the incorporation of a trauma-informed approach in interventions.