The Role of Complex Trauma and Attachment Patterns in Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

ObjectiveEven if the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and intimate partner violence (IPV) has already been established, there are no sufficient studies examining the relationships between these factors and attachment representations, specifically attachment disorganization. Thus, this study aimed to explore, in a sample of women who experienced IPV (a) the presence of interpersonal adversities during childhood, and (b) attachment representations, with a particular focus on disorganization.MethodsWomen’s representations of attachment experiences were investigated through the Adult Attachment Interview, while the presence of various forms of interpersonal adversities during childhood was assessed using the Complex Trauma Questionnaire. The results of the IPV group (n = 98) were compared with those of women with no history of IPV (control group, n = 81).ResultsWomen in the IPV group showed higher values of multiple forms of adverse experiences within their caregiving system. They presented significantly higher rates of disorganized states of mind regarding attachment, indicative of a lack of resolution regarding traumatic experiences, and of disorganized working models resulting from complex trauma. Our results highlighted that, more than the presence of traumatic experiences, it is their irresolution – reflected in the disorganized states of mind regarding attachment at the Adult Attachment Interview – to be a significant predictor of IPV.ConclusionThese results suggest underline the significance of offering a trauma- and attachment-informed therapy to those who experience IPV. Such results could help both clinicians and researchers in formulating clearer guidelines for IPV interventions.

Maternal Childhood Maltreatment, Internal Working Models, and Perinatal Substance Use: Is There a Role for Hyperkatifeia? A Systematic Review

“…Of the 26 papers addressing the relationship between childhood maltreatment experiences and risk for difficulties with partner relationships, 24 supported a relationship between exposure to childhood maltreatment and increased risk for intimate partner violence victimization 14 -16,61 -64,67,78,80,81,83,89,91,93,96 -106 and early sexual initiation, 94 including 6 supporting these increased risks during the perinatal period, 67,94,97,98,105,106 8 in adolescents and transitional age people, 15,16,67,78,80,81,83,94 and 16 in adults of reproductive age. 14,61 -64,89,91,93,96,99 -105…”

“…With respect to the impact of maternal exposure to interpersonal violence (including childhood maltreatment experiences +/− intimate partner violence), out of 29 relevant articles, 25 reported on early mother-child relational outcomes. 107 -109 Of these studies, 19 reported on mother-child attachment or relationship quality, 14,105,110 -125 10 on maternal sensitivity or responsiveness, 107,108,110,112,113,121,122,126 -128 one on maternal reflective function, 128 one on maternal structuring, 129 four on maternal intrusiveness, 110,119,126,128 one on parenting competence, 130 two on harsh parenting, 110,119 two on negative infant emotionality, 107,108 two on child internalizing symptoms, 111,115 three on child externalizing symptoms, 111,115,121 and one reporting on total child psychiatric symptoms. 131 Overall, less optimal internal working models and severity of maternal mood or PTSD symptoms and alexithymia were associated with more negative parenting behaviors, lower reflective function, and negative offspring outcomes 105,110,112,113,…”

“…Of the 54 articles pertinent to associations between impaired internal working models and early parent-child relationships and offspring outcomes, 14,59,62,63,71,72,76,77,92,107 -124,126 -130,134,139,147,156,165 -182 28 reported on substance use, 59,62,63,71,72,76,77,92,134,139,147,156,165 …”

“…Of these 54 relevant articles, 41 addressed mother-infant or mother-toddler relationships, 14,59,71,76,77,92,107,108,110 -117,119 -124,126 -130,139,147,166 -170,172,174,176 -180 with 18 addressing substance use. Of these 18 articles, eight focused on cocaine +/− other drugs/alcohol, 59,71,166,167,169,170,172,174 two focused on alcohol, 178,179 three on opioids, 92,176,177 and five focused either on cravings, multiple substances, or “illicit drugs.” 76,77,134,147,168 Approximately two-thirds of these pertinent studies addressed mother-infant relationships and one-third addressed mother-toddler relationships, reporting decreased maternal sensitivity, 59...…”

“…Of the 54 articles pertinent to associations between impaired internal working models and early parent-child relationships and offspring outcomes, 14,59,62,63,71,72,76,77,92,[107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120][121][122][123][124][126][127][128][129][130]134,139,147,156,[165][166][167][168][169][170][171][172][173][174][175][176][177][178]…”