5 - (SYM 100) PTSD Symptomatology, Problematic Alcohol Use, and Physical Intimate Partner Aggression: A Dyadic Analysis in Sexual and Gender Diverse Couples

Background. Comprehensive literature reviews indicate that sexual and gender diverse individuals (SGD) report higher rates of intimate partner aggression (IPA) perpetration compared to cisgender or heterosexual peers (Trombetta & Rollè, 2023). However, etiological models of IPA perpetration in SGD couples are not well established. This weakness limits our ability to design culturally informed approaches to intervention. To address this gap, the present study used Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIM) to examine the independent and interactive effects posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and problematic alcohol use on physical IPA perpetration in SGD couples. PTSD symptoms and problematic alcohol use are robust predictors of IPA perpetration among couples comprised of cisgender and heterosexual partners. However, studies have not examined these associations dyadically within SGD communities, where trauma exposure and problematic alcohol use are highly prevalent.

Method. A non-probability sample of 364 SGD couples (N = 728 individuals: 68% assigned female sex at birth, 34% gender minoritized) were recruited nationally. Both partners responded to measures of PTSD symptomatology, problematic drinking, and physical IPA perpetration.

Results. Data were analyzed using an APIM approach as implemented in dyadic structural equation modeling framework. Actor and Partner problematic actor alcohol use was strongly predictive of Actor IPA perpetration. In addition, Actor PTSD symptomatology, but not Partner PTSD symptomatology, was positively associated with Actor IPA perpetration. A significant Actor PTSD symptomatology x Actor Problematic Drinking was detected, which indicated that the positive association between PTSD symptomatology and IPA perpetration was significantly magnified at higher levels of problematic alcohol use. These effects were robust after controlling for other established risk factors for IPA perpetration in SGD couples (i.e., minority stress, relationship satisfaction).

Conclusions. These data suggest that one’s problematic alcohol use amplifies the impact of their prior trauma on their IPA perpetration. Consistent with prior work, problematic drinking (by either partner) and Actor PTSD symptomatology were positively associated with IPA perpetration. Results underscore the interpersonal nature of IPA in SGD couples and contribute to the development etiological models that are critical for intervention development.