Affective Dependence and Aggression: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Introduction. Emotionally dependent subjects may engage in controlling, restrictive, and aggressive behaviours, which limit their partner's autonomy. The underlying causes of such behaviours are not solely based on levels of aggression, but act as a mean of maintaining the subject's own sense of self-worth, identity, and general functioning. Objective. The aim of the paper is to explore the correlation between affective dependency and reactive/proactive aggression and to evaluate individual differences as predisposing factors for aggressive behaviour and emotional dependency. Methods. The Spouse-Specific Dependency Scale (SSDS) and the Reactive Proactive Questionnaire (RPQ) were administered to a sample of 3375 subjects. Results. In the whole sample, a positive correlation between emotional dependency and proactive aggression was identified. Differences with regard to sex, age group, and geographical distribution were evidenced for the scores of the different scales. Conclusion. A fundamental distinction between reactive and proactive aggression was observed, anchoring proactive aggression more strictly to emotional dependency. Sociocultural and demographical variables, together with the previous structuring of attachment styles, help to determine the scope, frequency, and intensity of the demands made to the partner, as well as to feed the fears of loss, abandonment, or betrayal.

Relación entre dependencia emocional y maltrato psicológico en forma de victimización y agresión en jóvenes

“…Se tiende a relacionar la dependencia emocional con la violencia en la pareja bajo la hipótesis de que podría ser uno de los elementos determinantes de la perpetuación de relaciones violentas (Amor y Echeburúa, 2010). Cabe señalar que se ha analizado qué papel juega la dependencia emocional en las víctimas (Moral et al, 2017) y, en menor medida, en los agresores (Petruccelli et al, 2014), encontrando en ambos casos una relación positiva entre los constructos. La lógica de estos estudios se enmarca en que el dependiente emocional es una persona vulnerable emocionalmente que se encuentra eclipsado por el sujeto del que depende como consecuencia de un cúmulo de ilusiones, atribuciones, procesos hedónicos y expectativas infundadas.…”

Supporting Romantic Relationships During COVID-19 Using Virtual Couple Therapy

“…For example, Natalie told Todd that it was difficult for her to share her feelings when he reached out while she was still highly distressed, so they agreed that Todd would check in with her later, when she was in a calmer state, to provide emotional support. Although being responsive and caring is paramount to partners supporting one another in times of stress ( Balzarini et al, 2020 , Stanley and Markman, 2020 ), too much dependence on one another for support can actually have negative effects on the relationship ( Petruccelli et al, 2014 ). Given that, for many, one’s partner is the primary source of adult support during this pandemic, it is important for clinicians to help couples find outlets of support other than the relationship.…”

“…Although being responsive and caring is paramount to partners supporting one another in times of stress ( Balzarini et al, 2020 , Stanley and Markman, 2020 ), too much dependence on one another for support can actually have negative effects on the relationship ( Petruccelli et al, 2014 ). Given that, for many, one’s partner is the primary source of adult support during this pandemic, it is important for clinicians to help couples find outlets of support other than the relationship.…”

Coping styles, dysfunctional schemes and psychopathological symptoms related to emotional dependence on the aggressor partner

“…Emotional dependence towards the partner can be defined as a pattern of unsatisfied affective needs that try to be covered in a maladaptive way through interpersonal relationships (Urbiola, Estévez, Iruarrizaga, & Jauregui, 2017). People with emotional dependence manifest an intense terror of abandonment by their partner, leading them to exercise controlling, possessive and restrictive behaviors in order to limit their partner's autonomy (Echeburúa & Fernández-Montalvo, 2010;Petruccelli et al, 2014), obtain their attention, affection and constant closeness that are never enough (Izquierdo & Gómez-Acosta, 2013;Markez, 2015). In this way, they deploy a wide repertoire of retentive strategies in order to ensure the permanence of the partner in the relationship (Riso, 2014).…”