Violence against women is a phenomenon that involves at least 35% of women worldwide. Violence can be sexual, physical, and/or psychological, perpetrated by the partner, another family member, or a stranger. Violence is a public health problem because its consequences include higher morbidity, higher mortality, and short and long-term physical and psychological health diseases. Most studies prove an association between any type of violence and some chronic pain diagnoses but no one has done a complete collection of this evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether this association is statistically significant, including the largest number of studies. Through the inclusion of 37 articles, the association has been demonstrated. Compared with no history of violence, women who did experience violence showed 2 times greater odds of developing chronic pain. The impact of violence was significant also on fibromyalgia separately, but not on pelvic pain.PROSPERO registrationPROSPERO CRD42023425477.

Violent situations are unfortunately very frequent in women and children all over the world. These experiences have long-term consequences for adult physical and psychological health. One of the most reported is chronic pain, defined in various sub-diagnoses and present in all types of violence. Unfortunately, the etiology of this condition is not clear and neither are the predisposing factors. The aim of this scoping review is to examine the literature trends about the probable risk factors of chronic pain in violence victims. Considering a bio-psycho-social model, it is possible to hypothesize the presence of all these aspects. The results will be discussed in the present article.

Purpose: Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) are dysfunctional emotional and cognitive patterns formed in childhood due to negative experiences that hinder basic psychological needs. These schemas shape beliefs about oneself, others and the world, influencing relationships and overall functioning. This study aims to identify common EMS among victims of violence and their associations with specific types of abuse, offering insight into underlying beliefs that may contribute to repeated victimization. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of observational studies published between May and January 2025, analysing data from online databases. Studies included survivors aged 14 to 60, assessed with the Young Schema Questionnaire. Meta‐analyses with random‐effects models calculated mean effect sizes and correlation coefficients, while meta‐regressions examined the influence of age, gender and country. Results: A total of 20 studies were included. Survivors exhibited various EMS, including self‐sacrifice, unrelenting standards, abuse, abandonment, dependence and vulnerability to harm. Psychological abuse was strongly linked to emotional deprivation, abuse, social isolation, failure, abandonment, emotional inhibition, vulnerability to harm, defectiveness, dependence and subjugation. Survivors of physical abuse frequently displayed emotional deprivation, social isolation and vulnerability to harm. Among survivors of intimate partner violence, the most prevalent schemas were subjugation, emotional deprivation, abuse and social isolation. Meta‐regressions indicated that age, gender and country influenced certain EMS. Conclusions: Identifying maladaptive schemas enhances our understanding of survivors' dysfunctional beliefs, which is essential for developing more effective, individualized interventions and preventive strategies.

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.

Violence against women impacts a minimum of 35% of the global female population, encompassing sexual, physical, and psychological forms. Perpetrators of this violence include partners, family members, or strangers. Its ramifications are substantial, evident in the prevalence of chronic pain reported by between 48% and 84% of women who have experienced abuse, with an odds ratio of 2.08. Notably associated diagnoses include pelvic/vaginal pain, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome/bowel symptoms, abdominal pain, migraine/headache, and back and neck pain. These diagnoses significantly limit a woman’s ability to participate in daily activities, such as exercising or working, leading to genuine disability. Despite substantial evidence, the precise cause and etiology of these conditions remain unclear. Adhering to the bio-psycho-social model, it is conceivable that chronic pain in victims of violence cannot be attributed to a single factor alone, but rather to a combination of all three: biological, psychological, and social factors. Uncovering these factors could have significant clinical and legal implications. On one hand, it would be possible to conduct screenings to avoid developing chronic pain. and guide individuals toward the correct treatment. On the other hand, victims could seek compensation for chronic pain resulting from violence. Considering the limited knowledge about the causes of chronic pain and the absence of tools to identify risk factors or a set of tests for evaluating victims of violence, the goal of the research described in this project protocol is to pinpoint the specific contributing factors for chronic pain due to violence victimization. Additionally, it aims to devise a comprehensive protocol for assessing these factors in forensic science.

The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected adolescents’ psychosocial development, increasing vulnerability to distress and risk behaviors. This study examined whether aggression mediates the association between COVID-19–related stress and deviant behavior. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 638 adolescents and young adults (M = 18.8, SD = 3.51) from central Italy. Participants completed standardized self-report measures on COVID-related stress, aggression, and deviance. Analyses included Spearman correlations, regression models, and mediation testing. Social isolation was positively associated with aggression, whereas fear of COVID was negatively associated with aggression. Only physical aggression was significantly linked to deviant behavior. Mediation analysis showed that physical aggression partially mediated the relationship between COVID-19 stress and deviance: social isolation predicted higher physical aggression (β = 0.38, p < .001), which was associated with deviance (β = 0.07, p < .001); the indirect effect was significant (β = 0.027, p = .002). Fear of contagion showed a small but significant negative indirect effect (β = –0.006, p = .022). Social isolation increased risk, whereas fear of contagion appeared to have a potential protective function.