A Complex Relationship: Intimate Partner Violence, Identification With the Aggressor, and Guilt

Abstract

This study explored the relation between guilt and identification with the aggressor (IWA) and the moderating role of IWA in the relation between intimate partner violence (IPV) and guilt. An online survey was conducted among a convenience sample of 700 women. IPV survivors demonstrated elevated guilt, and IWA was related to guilt. Furthermore, IWA moderated the relation between IPV and guilt: Among participants with low IWA levels, IPV was unrelated to guilt, but among participants with high IWA levels, IPV was related to guilt. These findings suggest that IWA may be a key element in explaining guilt among IPV survivors.

Spiritually Integrated Cognitive Processing Therapy for Moral Injury in the Setting of PTSD

“…These were reengaging in prayer or deepening of prayer, and getting reconnected with their spiritual community by returning to attending religious services or engagement in faith-based social activities. With regard to specific themes, Patients A and B both had difficulty forgiving themselves, which is consistent with research that indicates that victims of IPV experience guilt if they identify with their aggressor (Siegel et al, 2022). We decided to try SICPT with patients A and B because they really wanted to focus on incorporating spiritual and faith-based tools into their trauma work.…”