How do young people who have experienced parental intimate partner abuse make sense of romantic relationships? A qualitative analysis.

Abstract Background Approximately one in five children in UK have experienced parental intimate partner abuse (IPA). Research suggests that this is one of the strongest predictors of interpersonal aggression within adult relationships, as well as having significant negative impacts on mental and physical health. Both Attachment Theory (Ainsworth & Bell, 1970; Bowlby, 1969) and Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977) attempt to explain this intergenerational cycle of abuse. Objective In line with Birmingham City Council’s Domestic Abuse Prevention Strategy 2016–2020, the present study aimed to qualitatively explore the way in which young people who have experienced parental IPA make sense of romantic relationships. Participants Six young people (females = 4, males = 2), aged between 10–13 years (M = 11.16, SD = 1.17), participated in the study. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were analysed using Framework Analysis to generate themes both inductively and deductively. Results Three superordinate themes were identified, namely ‘Recipe for a Healthy Relationship’, ‘When Things Go Wrong’, and ‘What is a Romantic Relationship?’. Concepts of equality and respect were frequently referenced by participants as part of the interviews. Findings are discussed in relation to practical implications and directions for future research.