Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6049-9814

Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

PhD

College

College of Applied Human Sciences

Department

Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling & Counseling Psychology

Committee Chair

Lisa Platt

Committee Member

Jeffrey Daniels

Committee Member

Jeneice Shaw

Committee Member

Frankie Tack

Abstract

Childhood adversity has been linked to numerous health and mental health concerns in adulthood (Felitti et al., 1998). Among the many outcomes associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), victimization and perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a public health crisis. Research has found that those identifying as gender minority individuals are disproportionately impacted by IPV (Messinger, 2017; Peitzmeier et al., 2020). Further, gender minority individuals experience equivalent, if not higher, rates of ACEs when compared to their cisgender counterparts (Baams, 2018; Juárez-Chávez et al., 2018; Schnarrs et al., 2019; Tobin & Delaney, 2019). While many factors contribute to the pathway from ACEs to IPV, the role of internalized transphobia (IT) in this relation is poorly understood. However, previous research has underscored the role of internalized shame in relation to both ACEs and IPV (Rood et al., 2017; Thaggard & Montayre, 2019; Thomson & Jaque, 2018b). Internalized transphobia may therefore serve as a mediator in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and intimate partner violence. Using a cross-sectional quantitative single administration survey design, this research aimed to better understand the relation between ACEs, IT, and IPV in adults identifying as gender minorities. This study used a mediated regression model to discern if internalized transphobia mediated the relationship between childhood adversity and intimate partner violence. Findings from this research indicated that while internalized transphobia did not mediate the relationship between ACEs and IPV, IT was still predictive of IPV. Endorsement of ACEs also predicted endorsement of IPV.

Download

Share

COinS