Cast with Uncertainty: Doubt Regarding Abuse-Related Appraisals and Trauma-Related Distress in the Face of Intimate Partner Violence

Survivors of abuse, such as intimate partner violence (IPV), may experience a range of mental health difficulties. A new theory introduces a harmful and often overlooked aspect of abuse: doubt regarding abuse-related appraisals (DARA). This concept refers to survivors’ uncertainty about their assessments of the abuse, their own experiences during the abuse, and their perpetrator. According to this view, DARA not only deepens survivors’ confusion but also hinders the healing process, increasing their vulnerability to trauma-related symptoms. This study aimed to explore these ideas by examining (1) the relationships between DARA and trauma-related symptoms following IPV, and (2) the contribution of DARA in explaining trauma-related symptoms beyond childhood abuse history, degree of IPV exposure, length of the abusive relationship, and IPV status. An online survey was conducted among a convenience sample of female adults. The sample consisted of 378 women aged 19–60 years (M = 35.50, SD = 8.64) who reported experiencing IPV and provided data on the study variables. Trauma-related symptoms, DARA, childhood abuse history, and IPV characteristics (degree of IPV exposure, length of the abusive relationship, and IPV status) were assessed through self-report measures. The results revealed significant associations between DARA and trauma-related symptoms. Furthermore, analyses indicated that DARA uniquely explained trauma-related symptoms beyond childhood abuse history, degree of IPV exposure, length of the abusive relationship, and IPV status. The current findings support the DARA theory and highlight the need for clinical interventions aimed at reducing DARA to alleviate trauma-related distress in survivors.