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The relation of anxiety and avoidance dimensions of attachment to intimate partner violence: a meta-analysis about perpetrators
The objective of this meta-analysis was to explore the relationship between attachment theory and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration, an area that has yet to be comprehensively analyzed despite previous studies. A systematic search across five databases (PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed) yielded 3,852 records, from which 52 studies involving 13,653 participants met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed a significant effect size for both attachment anxiety and avoidance dimensions in relation to IPV. Specifically, the effect sizes for attachment anxiety ranged consistently between r = .19 and r = .35 across various forms of violence, indicating a robust relationship. Conversely, the effect size for attachment avoidance was not significant for generic violence (r = .07), and showed low associations with physical (r = .12) and psychological violence (r = .14), but a medium effect size for sexual violence (r = .20). Only a limited number of moderators examined in the study were found to be significant. These findings illuminate the differential roles of attachment anxiety and avoidance in IPV perpetration. The study emphasizes the necessity for further research to investigate additional moderating and mediating variables that may influence the relationship between attachment styles and IPV, which is crucial for informing prevention and treatment strategies. [NPID: Attachment, anxiety, avoidance, violence]
Year: 2022
