Exploring the Pathways of Childhood Adversity on Intimate Partner Violence Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Network Analysis

The high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV), childhood adversity, and psychological factors has been observed among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Nevertheless, the intrinsic correlation between the three remains to be fully understood. Consequently, there is an urgent need for research that explores their interrelationships. This study aimed to reveal the long-term mechanisms and potential pathways of childhood adversity on the development of IPV in the Chinese MSM population, to mitigate the long-term effects of childhood adversity, and ultimately reduce the incidence of IPV. This study used a cross-sectional survey to recruit 1,130 MSM participants in three Chinese cities. In this population, we utilized network analysis and path analysis to further explore the relationship between childhood adversity, psychological factors, and IPV. The results of the network analysis suggested that psychological factors may play an important mediating role between childhood adversity and IPV. The results of the path analysis indicated that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (β = .08, p = .013) and parental rejection (β = .10, p = .03) were direct risk factors for IPV. In addition, childhood adversity played an indirect role in IPV through psychological factors. In conclusion, the prevalence of childhood adversity, mental health problems, and IPV is high in the Chinese MSM population. The presence of ACEs and parental rejection predisposes individuals to IPV through the mediation of psychological factors. Our findings suggested that proximal prevention is imperative for the mitigation of the long-term effects of childhood adversity to reduce the incidence of IPV in the Chinese MSM population.