Altered resting-state functional connectivity in women survivors of intimate partner violence: an ICA study

This study examines differences in large-scale resting-state networks (RSNs) connectivity between women who survived intimate partner violence (IPVAW) and non-victims. It also explores the association between specific resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) patterns in IPVAW survivors and both the severity of experienced violence and relevant clinical symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants underwent resting-state fMRI and completed self-report assessments on the severity of the IPVAW experience, adverse childhood experiences, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and alcohol use. Independent Component Analysis (ICA) was used to characterize RSNs. Between-group differences were examined using a T-test while controlling for age and level of education. Exploratory correlations were conducted to examine associations between the rs-FC patterns in IPVAW survivors and the severity of violence and clinical measures. IPVAW survivors showed less rs-FC within the default mode network (DMN) and dorsal attention network (DAN). They also showed greater rs-FC of the cerebellum with the posterior DMN, salience network (SN), and posterior sensorimotor network (pSMN) compared to non-victims. Specific rs-FC patterns in IPVAW survivors were significantly associated with clinical symptoms. The findings indicate that IPVAW survivors show specific intrinsic functional connectivity that is associated with psychopathological symptoms. The present study contributes to a deeper understanding of these neural correlates and may support intervention programs aimed at addressing long-term sequelae of IPVAW.