This study examined the mediational role of perceived partner support in the association between romantic attachment and the use of psychological aggression in 210 couples seeking couple therapy. Following the first therapy session, partners completed the Conjugal Support Questionnaire, the Experiences in Close Relationships and the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale individually. As expected, path analyses based on the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM; Kenny, Kashy, & Cook, 2006) revealed that, for both men and women, higher avoidance predicted their perception of lower partner support. Results also indicate that perception of lower partner support was related to more frequent use of psychological aggression in both the self and the partner. No significant association was found between attachment insecurities and the use of psychological aggression and, therefore, perceived partner support did not mediate this association. Methodological and clinical considerations of these results are discussed.
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