Mistrust of others as a mediator of the relationship between trauma exposure and use of partner aggression

Objective: Prior research indicates a connection between the experience of trauma and use of intimate partner aggression (IPA), but little work has focused on core cognitive schemas that can be influenced by trauma. In the current study, we examine the cognitive schema of mistrust in others as a mediator of the relationship between trauma exposure and IPA use. This schema may lead to IPA through distorted social information processing that can escalate relationship conflict. Method: The sample consisted of 83 heterosexual community couples. All variables were assessed via written questionnaires, and IPA frequency was calculated by incorporating both partners' reports on each member of the couple. Results: For males, mistrust significantly mediated the relationships between trauma exposure and both physical and psychological IPA use. For females, mistrust did not mediate the significant relationship between trauma exposure and IPA use. In analyses using the actor-partner interdependence model, both actor and partner mistrust uniquely predicted physical and psychological IPA use. Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest the importance of examining core schemas that may underlie trauma reactions and use of IPA.