PARENTAL ATTACHMENT AND PHYSICAL INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN YOUNG ADULTS: MEDIATIONAL ROLE OF DYSFUNCTIONAL ATTITUDES

Abstract

Introduction. Physical Intimate Partner violence (PIPV)is a prevalent problem throughout the world, withserious negative impactsfor the victims. A great deal of research is aimed at identifying vulnerability and protective factors among victims. Previous studies have associated PIPVvictimization with insecureparental attachment. However, little is known about the role of dysfunctional attitudes(DA)in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). This study aimed to evaluate DA as a mediator between parental attachment and PIPV victimization of young adults. Methods.Self-report questionnaires were completed by 915 young French adults to assess their attachment styles, DA (related to sociotropy and autonomy), andhistory of physical assault. Results. Twohundred and six participants (21.1%) reported having beenvictims of PIPV. Path analyses confirmed the indirect effect of DA in the relationship between parental attachment styles and PIPV victimizationin young adults. DA related to sociotropy appearedto be a partial mediator of attachment to the mother and PIPV victimization,while DA related to autonomy appearedto be a partial mediator of attachment to the father and PIPVvictimization.Conclusion. Insecureparental attachment is associated with more DAand a risk of PIPVvictimization in emerging adulthood.