This work aims to shed light on the differential diagnosis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD) within the context of intimate partner violence (IPV), which represents a highly innovative field of clinical research. To this end, a critical review of the literature was conducted to identify and compare the clinical patterns and symptomatic overlaps among cPTSD, PTSD, and BPD, with an emphasis on their manifestation in both IPV victims and offenders. The results show that despite some symptomatic similarities, cPTSD, PTSD, and BPD have distinct clinical patterns of interpersonal violence. Specifically, disturbances in self-organization (DSO) are more commonly found in offenders, while the diagnosis of cPTSD seems more aligned with the psychological functioning of victims. In addition, cPTSD and specific characteristics of BPD, such as fear of rejection and instability of identity, constitute risk factors for IPV victimization. cPTSD is shown as a predisposing factor not only for IPV victims but also for offenders, while PTSD emerges as a consequential factor. The specific pathways linking PTSD, cPTSD, and BPD with IPV have significant implications for clinical practice. Further research is needed to understand these profiles and the mechanisms linking trauma-related features to IPV, which is crucial for implementing effective violence prevention programs.

In the last decade, Pathological Affective Dependence (PAD)—as a risk factor for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)—has undergone considerable attention among clinical and social psychologists. However, the psychological nature of PAD has been described in discordant terms throughout the literature. We try to give a clear definition of the construct (1), theorize a first cognitive model of PAD (2), and describe the prototypical characteristics of a pathological affective dependent (in terms of goals, anti-goals, and dysfunctional self-other beliefs) based on goal-oriented theories (3). We finally present (4) the resulting specific TADs (typical affective dependent) profiles (Saver, Unworthy, Traumatic, and Mixed). We believe that our manuscript on the PAD makes a significant contribution to achieve the fifth UN Sustainable Development Goal aimed at eliminating “all forms of violence against all women”: in fact, understanding the psychological risk factors of IPV as PAD is an essential protective factor for designing effective prevention social strategies against IPV. Moreover, this work contributes to achieving one of the “outcome targets” of the sixteenth UN Sustainable Development Goal. It is dedicated to the promotion of “peaceful and inclusive societies”, through the reduction of all forms of violence and the protection of children from abuse. Indeed, IPV strongly affects (physical and mental) health and social sustainability of well-being. However, empirical studies on this topic are limited and there is a lack of a theoretical model of PAD. This work represents a theoretical starting point for a broader project aimed at building a cognitive-behavioral protocol and social interventions for the reduction of negative consequences on IPV victims.

Purpose: This study aimed to validate the Italian version of the Pathological Affective Dependence Scale (PADS), which assesses both trait and state manifestations of Pathological Affective Dependence (PAD), a key risk factor for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Methods: Two studies were conducted in the general population and IPV survivor samples. Study 1 used a sample of 360 participants for Confirmatory and Exploratory Factor Analysis (CFA and EFA). Study 2 included 362 participants for an additional CFA and reliability analysis to further assess the scale's factor structure and internal consistency, and for a correlational analysis to determine its convergent and discriminant validity. Results: Our factor analytic findings revealed that the PADS' 17 items represent three factors: internal conflict, inability to separate and partner abuse. The scale's state and trait versions showed satisfactory reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the PADS is a useful tool for assessing and enhancing our understanding of PAD as a psychological risk factor for IPV. As such, it can help prevent IPV and support individual IPV survivors by identifying and treating PAD, while also contributing to clinical and social research into IPV.

The pandemic of Covid-19 has had a high impact on people’s lives and especially on families. In Italy, in 2020, the several forced closures led families to live indoors to manage anxiety and distress. It was considered appropriate to investigate which protective factors, like parental resilience, can mitigate the negative impact of pandemic-related distress on family life. We have conducted two online surveys during different national lockdowns for Covid-19. The first survey was conducted immediately after the disruption of the virus and the second one after nine months. We measured parental resilience and distress, anxiety, problematic behaviors, and somatization of their children (as assessed by the parents). The aim was to investigate the protective role of parental resilience in mitigating parental distress and in turn problematic emotional states and behavior of their children. Mediation analyses confirmed the hypothesis that parental resilience lowers parental distress and consequently the anxiety and behavioral disorders of their children in both acute distress (first study) and chronic distress (second study) situations. Such results suggest that the improvement of parents’ resilience can buffer the negative impact of pandemic-related parental distress and children’s behavioral problems on both occasions. The need for focused interventions and treatments aimed to reinforce parental resilience is discussed. Targeted prevention and support strategies are needed now, and early in case of future health crises.

Background: Research indicates that traumatic events, such as interpersonal violence, can significantly affect how individuals perceive facial characteristics and assess trust. This study aims to explore trustworthiness and emotional perception in women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Methods: Twenty-four women who have experienced IPV and twenty-four control participants completed an online task. They rated the trustworthiness of male and female faces, chose the more trustworthy face in a pairwise task, and identified emotions displayed by faces. Results: The results revealed that survivors of IPV showed lower accuracy in trustworthiness judgments, particularly for male faces, and in recognizing fear in male faces, compared to the control group. Conclusions: These preliminary findings, constrained by the limited sample size, are discussed in the context of the Pathological Affective Dependence theory and a perceptual model of social face perception, shedding light on the complex interplay between trauma, social perception, and emotional processing.