Research on the intergenerational transmission of intimate partner violence (IPV), or the "cycle of violence," from childhood exposure (G1) to the perpetration of IPV in adulthood relationships (G2), has increased over the past decades. The link between childhood exposure to interparental violence and future IPV perpetration is largely explained by postulations from social and psychological theories, such as social learning theory. These theories provide claims regarding IPV transmission pathways and the mechanisms underpinning the transmission. However, evidence from extant theory-informed studies on the cycle of violence has generated several null and counter-predictive findings, which raises questions about the nature of the theory-informed research, as well as methodological questions. This systematic review sought to analyze how existing studies applied specific theories to research IPV transmission, and the mechanisms underpinning these transmissions. Following the PRISMA procedure for systematic reviews, we reviewed empirical articles from five databases (Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Informit, and PubMed) published between 1990 and 2024. Results from the 30 included studies were synthesized under three theoretical categories, namely: social, psychological, and cultural theories. Under each theoretical category, we found inconsistent evidence, lack of empirical examination of theory-driven variables, and reductionist approaches, in terms of how claims from the theories are applied in research on IPV transmission. Research guided by a singular theoretical framework presented inconsistencies compared to those applying a multi-theory approach. As a result, we recommend an integrated theoretical model that considers the comprehensive and transactional process/factors that underpin IPV transmission.
This study examined current evidence on children's pathways into commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) in the United States to determine if characteristics, vulnerabilities, and social contexts were distinguishable by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and location. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines, peer-reviewed studies and grey literature were included if they were focused on CSE pathways prior to age 18, available in English, U.S. based, and published in or after 2013. In total, 1,989 articles were screened and 306 were eligible for full-text review. In total, 22 studies were analyzed. Nine studies focused on cis girls or women. No studies exclusively focused on CSE among cis boys, gender diverse children, children identifying as LGBTQ+, or children initiated from infancy through preadolescence. Findings indicate that boys and girls at different life stages were initiated into CSE by five pathways, including: (a) family members and caregivers' paramours; (b) romantic partners; (c) peers, friends, and acquaintances; (d) strangers; and (e) circumstantial need. Girls and boys in infancy, toddlerhood, and preadolescence and across rural-urban classifications were exploited by family members, parent's romantic partners, and acquaintances known to their family. Adolescent girls, including those with intellectual disabilities, were trafficked by boyfriends, strangers, and out of circumstantial needs. This is the first review to provide a contemporary overview of dynamics that marked children's CSE pathways from infancy through adolescence. Findings revealed need for future research on CSE-impacted boys, gender diverse and LGBTQ+ children, and intellectually challenged children across early life stages and geographic areas.
Literature on stress and intimate partner violence (IPV) has primarily focused on stress as an outcome of women's experience of IPV. However, stress may also be a predictor of male-perpetrated IPV. To improve our understanding of how theoretical approaches to stress have been applied to IPV research, we conducted a sub-analysis of a broader systematic review to identify published literature that examines theoretical approaches to stress as a predictor of male-perpetrated IPV. We conducted a search of nine electronic databases and assessed title/abstract and full texts according to pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two reviewers categorized included studies into different theoretical groupings and sub-groupings. Data were extracted according to a data extraction template developed for the review, establishing consistency in a pilot data extraction phase. The review identified 27 articles that addressed the following theories of stress: general stress theory, life course theory, occupational stress theory, vulnerability theory, and family stress theory. Each of these sub-theories focuses on different forms of stress, for example, life course theory specifically focuses on stressful early life experiences, including adverse childhood events, whereas occupational stress theory focuses on workplace-related stressors that may result in increased male-perpetrated IPV. Analysis of measurement of stress variables indicated that measurement of stress varies widely across studies and primarily relies on self-reports. Consideration of stress as a predictor of IPV provides important insights into preventable and modifiable targets for intervention. Additional research on mechanisms and pathways between stress and IPV is needed.

