Romantic Attachment and Controlling Behaviors in Adolescent Dating Relationships: Indirect Links Through Relational Skills.

Abstract

Introduction: Controlling behaviors (i.e., exerting power over a partner's thoughts, feelings, or behaviors) are a form of teen dating violence (TDV) that can have significant psychological and relational consequences. Although insecure romantic attachment is one of the main risk factors associated with TDV perpetration, no study has specifically examined its links with controlling behaviors in adolescence. Furthermore, the mechanisms that may explain this association have yet to be examined. Since romantic attachment serves as a foundation for the development of relational skills (individuality, assertiveness, support), these skills may play a role in the perpetration of controlling behaviors among adolescents with attachment insecurities in romantic contexts. This study examined the relationship between attachment anxiety and avoidance and the perpetration of controlling behaviors via these three forms of relational skills.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a sample of 361 Canadian adolescents (M_age = 17.21, SD = 1.22) currently in a dating relationship completed an online questionnaire between 2022 and 2024.

Results: Path analyses revealed an indirect association between attachment anxiety and the perpetration of controlling behaviors via lower individuality. The results also indicated an indirect association between attachment avoidance and controlling behaviors via lower support offered. The model explains 16.5% of the variance in the perpetration of controlling behaviors.

Conclusion: This study highlights the relevance of romantic attachment and relationship skills in understanding controlling behaviors in teen dating relationships and suggests that prevention programs may benefit from targeting relational skills, especially among adolescents with attachment insecurity.