NCJ Number
209399
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2002 Pages: 84-100
Date Published
January 2002
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study explored the relationship between romantic attachment styles and expressed and received aggression in heterosexual romantic relationships.
Abstract
Aggression, both threatened and actual, is a frequently reported component within romantic relationships and it is often reciprocal. Adult attachment theory holds potential for explaining the occurrence of aggression in intimate relationships. The current study sought to identify predictors of the expression and receipt of aggression in terms of attachment ratings for self, attachment ratings for partner, and the interaction of ratings for self and partner on attachment. Participants were 161 heterosexual undergraduate students who volunteered to complete a survey about the participant’s own attachment styles, their perception of their partner’s attachment style, aggression expressed or received within the relationship, and demographic information. Results of logistic regression analyses indicated that 52.8 percent of participants reported expressing at least one act of aggression and 39.1 percent reported receiving aggression from their partner. Expressive aggression was associated with having a partner that is preoccupied, describing both self and partner as preoccupied, and describing self as secure and partner as dismissing. Sustaining aggression from a partner was associated with describing self as more fearful and partner as more preoccupied, having a preoccupied partner, and having a less fearful partner. The findings suggest that attachment style and perception of a partner’s attachment style are related to the expression and receipt of aggression in romantic relationships. Future research should attempt to replicate these findings with a community sample. Tables, references