Childhood Trauma, Attachment Styles and Intimate Partner Violence: A moderation analysis.

Introduction: Childhood trauma (CT) is a broad concept and encompasses all forms of emotional and physical violence or neglect, with potentially serious consequences. CT may lead to intimate partner violence (IPV) in later life. Insecure attachment has been found to influence the relationship between these two factors, but there is a lack of information on the extent of this association. This study examines the relationship between CT and IPV perpetration and victimization and the role of attachment style as a moderator within this relationship. Methods: An online survey on CT was used to cross-sectionally investigate self-reported CT, attachment styles and IPV within a sample of the general population (N = 421). Path analysis modelling using PROCESS was performed on the moderation model. Results: A direct effect of CT on IPV perpetration was found. There was no direct effect on the individual variables. There was no significant interaction effect of CT and attachment style on IPV....Show moreIntroduction: Childhood trauma (CT) is a broad concept and encompasses all forms of emotional and physical violence or neglect, with potentially serious consequences. CT may lead to intimate partner violence (IPV) in later life. Insecure attachment has been found to influence the relationship between these two factors, but there is a lack of information on the extent of this association. This study examines the relationship between CT and IPV perpetration and victimization and the role of attachment style as a moderator within this relationship. Methods: An online survey on CT was used to cross-sectionally investigate self-reported CT, attachment styles and IPV within a sample of the general population (N = 421). Path analysis modelling using PROCESS was performed on the moderation model. Results: A direct effect of CT on IPV perpetration was found. There was no direct effect on the individual variables. There was no significant interaction effect of CT and attachment style on IPV. The hypothesis that the relationship between CT and IPV is moderated by attachment style was supported. Discussion: Although more research is needed on the specific effects of the different attachment styles on the relationship between CT and IPV, current findings suggest a moderating effect of attachment on the relationship between CT and IPV. The findings were only partly consistent with earlier findings, which encourages a critical view on the effects of CT on IPV in later life.Show less

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Childhood Trauma, Attachment Styles and Intimate Partner Violence: A moderation analysis.