NCJ Number
169583
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1997) Pages: 211-228
Date Published
1997
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Forty-one men who were physically violent toward their spouses and 50 nonviolent men completed self-report instruments and were interviewed to determine the usefulness of attachment theory in explaining male violence toward female intimates.
Abstract
The research focused on several variables related to attachment: perceived relationship support, negative life events stress, self esteem, sense of autonomy, and perceived quality of early childhood relationship. An extant data set was analyzed; the variables used were not originally designed to measure attachment. The results of a hierarchical regression analysis indicated that the attachment cluster of variables served as unique predictors of male intimate violence. The male's perceived relationship support and recollection of maternal relationship were the two significant predictors of male intimate violence within the attachment cluster. Race and education were also significant predictors of male violence toward a female intimate. Findings suggest the influence of early relationships in forming a foundation for future relationships and the usefulness of individual and family therapy. Tables and 59 references (Author abstract modified)