The Experiences of Adults Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence as Children: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Resilience and Protective Factors

ABSTRACT Research indicates a large percentage of children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) experience psychological, social, cognitive, behavioral, and physical problems. These deficits can have overwhelming long-term problems for children. Although there is some evidence of the intergenerational cycle of violence, not all children exposed to IPV encounter abuse in their adult relationships. This study qualitatively explored the protective factors or resiliencies that contribute to adaptive outcomes of adults exposed to IPV as children. Ten major and five minor themes emerged from this analysis. These themes were organized into internal factors/individual characteristics, family factors, and external factors. Implications for practice are also discussed.