Cortisol Dysregulation and the Trauma Cycle in Intimate Partner Violence Survivors

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive global issue with severe psychological and physiological consequences for victims. This review critically examines recent literature on the biological and psychological mechanisms of cortisol dysregulation in IPV survivors and its contribution to the trauma-abuse cycle. Key findings indicate that IPV exposure is associated with alterations in the hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning, leading to abnormal cortisol patterns. These neuroendocrine changes may mediate the relationship between IPV exposure and various adverse health outcomes, potentially perpetuating the cycle of abuse. However, methodological limitations in existing studies highlight the need for further research to clarify causal relationships and improve the generalizability of findings.