From inevitable destiny to resilience: A trauma-informed dyadic model of revictimization and relationship resilience

Revictimization, the tendency of individuals who experienced childhood maltreatment to have violent relationships in adulthood, is well-documented. However, the theory explaining revictimization mechanisms and protective processes remains underdeveloped. This work extends the Couple Adaptation to Traumatic Stress (CATS) model to specify pathways from childhood maltreatment to revictimization and protective processes, integrating advances in three areas: (a) complex trauma, (b) protective processes, and (c) dyadic risk and protective mechanisms. A focused review of recent literature, prioritizing systematic reviews and meta-analyses, offers partial support for the proposed model and underscores the need for continued scholarship on trauma-informed, multilevel dyadic mechanisms for revictimization and protective processes.