Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences within the Family Context and In-Person and Online Dating Violence in Adulthood: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a common pathway to risky behaviour, violence or re-victimisation, disability, illness, and premature mortality and, as such, may be associated with victimisation and perpetration of dating violence not only in adolescence but also in adulthood. Method: A scoping review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Four databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and PsycINFO) were used to search for studies published between 2000 and 2021 that analysed the relationship between adverse childhood experiences within the family context and the perpetration or victimisation of dating violence in adulthood. Results: The search yielded 599 articles, 32 of which met the inclusion criteria and were ultimately included in the review. Most of the study samples were from the United States. Most of the studies sampled university populations. The studies had a clear objective, were of an appropriate design, contained a detailed description of the sample, and used valid and reliable measurement instruments. Conclusion: This scoping review shows that the relationship between ACEs and perpetration and/or subsequent victimisation is complex and that, while adverse childhood experiences are a factor associated with adult dating violence, they are likely to coexist with other personal, family, and environmental problems. Therefore, adverse childhood experiences may not be a necessary or sufficient condition for experiencing dating violence.

Families, Parenting and Aggressive Preschoolers: A Scoping Review of Studies Examining Family Variables Related to Preschool Aggression

“…The search was conducted by the first and last authors (RN and BV, respectively), who both have experience with the previous reviews [ 47 ]. They also screened and selected the articles resulting from each database search, discussing any questionable records until an agreement was reached.…”

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Interpersonal Violence, and Racial Disparities in Early Prenatal Care in North Dakota (ND PRAMS 2017–2019)

“…This association may be due to the negative impact of ACEs on social, emotional, and cognitive development, as well as poor mental health and coping skills. Additionally, exposure to violence as a child may normalize violent behaviors, making it more likely that children exposed to ACEs are more likely to engage in and be victimized by violence in adulthood (Navarro et al, 2022). Furthermore, research on ACEs and the association with healthcare access is currently mixed.…”

“…Individuals with multiple ACEs have an increased risk of experiencing IPV as adults (Navarro et al, 2022; Whitfield et al, 2003). This association may be due to the negative impact of ACEs on social, emotional, and cognitive development, as well as poor mental health and coping skills.…”

Dating Conflict-Resolution Tactics and Exposure to Family Violence: University Students’ Experiences

“…For that reason, the type of strategies that young couples use to manage their conflicts may underlie abusive dynamics, particularly when these strategies are violent, i.e., have the intention of causing harm (physical, emotional, or sexual) to the other (Straus and Gelles 1990). Some evidence suggests that the use of violent strategies of conflict resolution are linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (Navarro et al 2022). ACEs refers to one's exposure to frequent and prolonged adversities during childhood, such as physical and emotional abuse, physical and emotional neglect, sexual abuse, witnessing domestic violence, and having family members who have substance use problems, among others (Felitti et al 1998).…”