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The Role of Attachment, Insecurity, and Stress in Partner Maltreatment: A Meta-Analysis
Laura Knox1, Gery Karantzas1, Elizabeth Ferguson1
1Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.
Trauma, Violence & Abuse
|April 10, 2023
Summary
Attachment insecurity is linked to partner maltreatment. Stress exacerbates this tendency, highlighting the need for contextual factors in therapy for relationship maltreatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Relationship Science
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Partner maltreatment encompasses a spectrum of negative behaviors in romantic relationships, from overt abuse to subtle disrespect.
- Attachment insecurity, characterized by anxiety and avoidance, is a potential vulnerability factor for perpetrating such behaviors.
Approach:
- A meta-analysis synthesized data from 139 studies (N=38,472) examining the link between adult attachment orientation and partner maltreatment.
- The study adopted an attachment-based diathesis-stress perspective to explore the moderating role of stress.
Key Points:
- A significant association was found between attachment insecurity and partner maltreatment perpetration (r=.11 to .21).
- Attachment insecurity acts as a diathesis, increasing vulnerability to engaging in maltreatment.
- Experiencing stress heightens the tendency for individuals with insecure attachment to perpetrate partner maltreatment.
Conclusions:
- Attachment insecurity is a significant predictor of partner maltreatment.
- Stress plays a crucial moderating role, amplifying the link between insecure attachment and maltreatment.
- Therapeutic interventions for partner maltreatment should consider and address individual attachment styles and contextual stressors.
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