From Childhood Trauma to Adult Mental Health Difficulties: Exploring the Role of Intimate Partner Violence Among Rural Indian Women.

Purpose: Mental health burdens are particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, with women experiencing a disproportionately high prevalence compared to men. The present study examined whether adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with recent mental health symptoms through intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and IPV perpetration among women in a rural North Indian district. Method: Participants (N = 312) were recruited via a convenience sampling method and completed self-report measures. To examine indirect effects, we utilized a structural equation model. Results: A significant, positive association was found between ACEs and mental health symptoms (r = .46, p <.001). We also found significant positive associations between ACEs and both IPV victimization (β = .62, p < .001) and perpetration (β = .24, p < .001). Mental health symptoms were significantly associated with IPV victimization (β = .24, p = .036) but not with IPV perpetration (β = .07, p = .364). There was a significant indirect effect of IPV victimization in the relationship between ACEs and mental health symptoms (β = .15, p = .035), while IPV perpetration did not exhibit a significant indirect effect (β = .02, p = .355). Three different sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings. Conclusions: The findings highlight a significant association between ACEs and mental health symptoms, with a significant indirect effect through IPV victimization. Interventions should consider addressing ACEs and IPV victimization to improve mental health outcomes for women in rural areas.