Parental Alcoholism, Childhood Adverse Experience, and Intimate Partner Violence Among Adult Children of Alcoholics: A Scoping Review

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a major public health concern given its associated adverse effects, such as physical injuries and mental health disorders. It is, therefore, critical to further our understanding of factors that influence the high prevalence of IPV. Studies have examined the relationship between parental alcoholism, childhood adversities, and IPV. However, this evidence has not been summarized. Using the PRISMA guidelines, five researchers screened 40 articles from PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus databases that examined the relationship between parental alcoholism, childhood exposure, and IPV. Five articles were selected, all quantitative studies, three cross-sectional, and two longitudinal studies. Two studies suggested that women from alcoholic homes, particularly those with paternal alcoholism, were more likely to experience abuse in their relationships. The other three articles examined the association of parental alcoholism to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and ACEs to IPV. Most of these studies were carried out among women; however, gender differences were noted. This review informs the need to improve research on ACOAs and IPV and to develop interventions aimed at improving the lives of ACOAs as well as children exposed to parental alcoholism and childhood adversities.