Exploring the Relevance of Attachment Theory as a Dependent Variable in the Treatment of Women Mandated Into Treatment for Domestic Violence Offences

• NCJ Number: 213719
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 41 Issue: 4 Dated: 2005 Pages: 33-61
• Author(s): Michelle Mohr Carney; Frederick P. Buttell
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 29 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Seventy-five women referred to a court-mandated treatment program for perpetrators of intimate partner violence were studied to determine whether there was a link between interpersonal dependency and violence and whether those who completed treatment experienced any change in levels of interpersonal dependency.

Abstract

The study found that the women were excessively dependent on their partners prior to beginning treatment and that the level of interpersonal dependency was directly related to psychological aggression, physical assault, sexual coercion, and injury to their partners. The women who dropped out of treatment were more dependent on their partners and were more psychologically aggressive, physically violent, and sexually coercive toward their intimate partners than the women who completed treatment. Overall, the dropouts were significantly more abusive than those who completed treatment. The women who completed treatment, however, were found to be more dependent on their partners after completing treatment, suggesting that treatment may lead to further and even escalated abuse. The findings suggest that interpersonal dependency should be included as a factor in intimate partner abuse, and treatment models should include methods designed to reduce such dependency in interactions with the partner. The study involved a secondary analysis of data collected by the agency providing the treatment in Mobile, AL. This included data from a demographic questionnaire and two psychological instruments, the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales and the Interpersonal Dependency Inventory (IDI), completed at intake. On the final day of the treatment program, the women completed the IDI. The IDI defines "interpersonal dependency" as "a complex of thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behaviors which revolve around the need to associate closely with, interact with, and rely upon valued other people." 4 tables and 59 references