Doctorate in Clinical Psychology : Main Research Portfolio

: 1) Examining the association between positive childhood experiences and internalising and externalising problems in adversity-exposed youth: A systematic review; 2) Why do diagnostic conversion rates differ between adult and childhood autism diagnostic services in similarly aged clients: A qualitative analysis of clinician views; 3) Childhood exposure to intimate partner violence and adolescent mental health: The role of positive childhood experiences

Abstract

Childhood exposure to intimate partner violence and adolescent mental health: The role of positive childhood experiences
Background: Childhood exposure to intimate partner violence (EIPV) is associated with mental health difficulties in children and young people (CYP). It is important to consider factors which facilitate resilience in the face of adversity, namely protective factors. Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) are a potential protective factor that buffer against the negative effects of EIPV.
Objectives: To explore (1) the association between childhood EIPV, PCEs and later internalising and externalising problems, and (2) whether PCEs were protective against later internalising and externalising problems in children with EIPV, compared to those without.
Method: A secondary analysis of the Millennium Cohort Study data was conducted. Parent/carer report was used to determine whether CYP had been exposed to IPV aged 11, and to measure their internalising and externalising problems aged 14. A PCEs measure was developed using items from the age 11 CYP questionnaire. Two hierarchical multiple regression models were conducted for each study outcome, incorporating a moderation analysis.
Results: Childhood EIPV was significantly associated with internalising but not externalising problems. PCEs did not moderate the association between EIPV and internalising/externalising problems, thus not demonstrating a protective effect. Rather, PCEs demonstrated a promotive effect, higher levels of PCEs associated with lower internalising and externalising problems for both CYP with EIPV and those without. However, the observed effects were small.
Conclusions: Findings suggest that PCEs contribute to better mental health outcomes for CYP, including those exposed to IPV. Further, they highlight the importance of investigating protective factors alongside risk factors, helping inform prevention and intervention efforts.

Date of Award	2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath
Supervisor	Victoria Williamson (Supervisor), Jennifer Allen (Supervisor), Sam Waldron (Supervisor), Alison Cape (Supervisor) & Anna Thake-Adams (Supervisor)