The Mediating Role of Identification with the Aggressor in the Link Between Childhood Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive public health issue with significant psychological, physical, and social consequences. Research indicates that adverse childhood experiences, particularly emotional and physical abuse, increase the risk of both IPV perpetration and victimization in adulthood. However, the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship remain insufficiently explored. This study examines the mediating role of identification with the aggressor in the association between childhood abuse and IPV outcomes, specifically psychological aggression and physical assault. A total of 377 participants (<i>M</i> = 26.42, <i>SD</i> = 6.91) completed an online survey assessing childhood trauma, identification with the aggressor, and IPV questionnaires. Mediation analyses revealed that identification with the aggressor significantly mediated the relationship between childhood emotional and physical abuse and both IPV perpetration and victimization. These findings support the intergenerational transmission of violence framework, suggesting that early exposure to abuse fosters maladaptive internalizations, increasing IPV risk. The study underscores the need for trauma-informed interventions that address identification with the aggressor as a psychological vulnerability.