Predicting Distress Among Young Adults: The Role of Exposure to Traumatic Events and Face-to-Face and Cyber Intimate Partner Aggression Perpetration

Abstract Purpose Emerging adulthood is characterized by uncertainty and the need for independence. The development of psychological distress may characterize this phase. One factor that has been found to induce stress is early exposure to trauma or violence. However, until now, the victim’s perspective—not the perpetrator’s—has been the focus of most research. Moreover, the cumulative combined contribution of traumatic event exposure and the perpetration of face-to-face and cyber aggression to psychological distress has not been examined. In the current study, we explored the cumulative and moderating effects of traumatic event exposure, the perpetration of face-to-face intimate partner aggression (IPA), and the perpetration of cyber intimate partner aggression (CIPA) on young adults’ psychological distress. Methods Five hundred and twenty young adults (age range: 18–29) participated in a survey and completed sociodemographic, traumatic event exposure, IPA perpetration, CIPA perpetration, and psychological distress self-report questionnaires. Results The findings suggest that the perpetration of both IPA and CIPA was associated with psychological distress. Traumatic event exposure moderated the associations between IPA and distress and between IPV and distress differently. Conclusions The findings demonstrate the cumulative effects of traumatic event exposure and the perpetration of both IPA and CIPA, as well as the moderating role of exposure. Comprehensive assessments and models that integrate these stressors and roles are needed.