This study examined the relationship between childhood trauma and intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. Based on schema theory, I investigated whether the Vulnerable Child schema mode explains why individuals with a history of childhood trauma may be more vulnerable to IPV victimization. In addition, I examined whether emotion regulation difficulties strengthen the association between childhood trauma and activation of the Vulnerable Child mode. Using data from 976 participants, the results showed that the Vulnerable Child mode significantly mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and IPV victimization. 

Furthermore, emotion regulation difficulties strengthened the association between childhood trauma and Vulnerable Child mode activation. However, the overall moderated mediation effect was not significant. These findings suggest that schema-related emotional vulnerability may be an important mechanism linking childhood trauma to later IPV victimization and highlight potential targets for psychological intervention.