Memory performance and tentative mechanisms of its alteration in women survivors of intimate partner violence

Intimate Partner Violence Against Women (IPVAW) has been linked to memory impairments, but related mechanisms such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), non-fatal strangulation (NFS), and cortisol are often studied separately. We examined memory functioning across IPVAW types and assessed multiple mechanisms. Participants were 194 women: one control group and four IPVAW groups. Working, verbal, and visual memory were assessed, along with PTSD, cortisol, TBI, and NFS. Women survivors underperformed controls in verbal and visual memory. TBI and cortisol were associated with a poorer delayed visual memory. Findings underscore TBI and chronic stress in memory impairment and support trauma-informed care.