Staying or Leaving: Patriarchal Roots of Cognitive Dissonance and the Impact of Childhood Adversity on Abusive Relationships

Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a critical public health issue, disproportionately affecting women. This study investigates the psychological mechanisms that may help explain how cognitive mechanisms are associated with revictimization in abusive relationships, with a focus on the role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and cognitive dissonance reduction strategies. Drawing upon Cognitive Dissonance Theory and the Foot-in-the-Door effect, this cross-sectional study examines how ACEs predict revictimization in adulthood and whether this relationship is moderated by specific cognitive dissonance reduction strategies. A sample of 99 adult women with a history of intimate relationships completed measures assessing ACEs, IPV victimization, and cognitive dissonance reduction strategies, including trivialization, denial of responsibility, adding consonant cognitions, self-concept change, distraction, and forgetting. Findings indicate that ACEs significantly predict IPV victimization, aligning with prior research on the intergenerational transmission of violence. Notably, among cognitive dissonance reduction strategies, self-concept change emerged as a significant moderator of this relationship. Women who engaged in self-concept change—reframing their experiences to perceive themselves as “better” individuals due to the relationship—exhibited a stronger link between childhood adversity and IPV victimization. This psychological adaptation may serve to justify remaining in abusive relationships, further entrenching the cycle of violence. Other cognitive dissonance strategies did not yield significant moderation effects, potentially due to retrospective bias or measurement constraints. These findings underscore the complex interplay between past trauma, psychological coping mechanisms, and sustained victimization in intimate relationships. The study highlights the need for IPV interventions to address cognitive dissonance processes, particularly self-concept change, to empower survivors and facilitate their ability to leave abusive situations.