Affect regulation, mentalization, and attachment in intimate partner violence survivor women: A quasi-experimental...

This quasi-experimental controlled trial investigates the role of attachment patterns and the quality of mentalization in women exposed to domestic violence, with the aim of identifying protective and risk factors related to coercive control in intimate relationships.

The Relationship Scale Questionnaire, the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire, and the Rorschach Inkblot Test were administered to 80 women divided into three groups: women victims of chronic domestic violence, women victims of a single episode of domestic violence (WVSEDV), and a control group of women who never experienced domestic violence. Sample comparisons and univariate descriptive analyses were conducted.

Women victims of chronic domestic violence predominantly showed disorganized attachment styles (p < .001) and hypomentalization (80%; p < .001). WVSEDV presented a higher proportion of secure attachment styles (48%; p < .001) alongside a notable proportion of avoidant attachment styles (36%) and hypermentalization profiles (52%). No significant differences were found between the WVSEDV and women who never experienced domestic violence groups regarding attachment and mentalization dimensions.

These findings indicate that it could be valuable to explore, through targeted research, whether promoting attachment security and mentalization abilities within psychotherapy might enhance the effectiveness of support for victims. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).