THE ROLE OF THE INTERGENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION OF ATTACHMENT ON THE INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

Introduction. Insecure attachment constitutes a significant risk factor for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) (Pearson, 2006). The main focus of this study was to deep the attachment style, both to mother and romantic partner, by women victims of IPV. Moreover, our second aim was to test the intergenerational transmission of attachment with mother, in predicting IPV condition, both directly and indirectly through the quality of attachment with partner. Method. A total of 60 women (M = 39.68, SD = 7.92) were recruited for the present study, divided in two groups: I) a clinical group of women victims of couple violence; II) a control group of women. All participant completed the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment that allows to measure a global score about Insecurity of Attachment; and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised, which assesses 2 dimensions of romantic attachment: Anxiety and Avoidance. A MANOVA analysis was performed to assess differences between clinical and control group in maternal and romantic attachment bond. Finally, a mediation analysis was conducted to explore the influence of intergenerational transmission of maternal attachment on IPV, directly and through romance attachment. Results. In line with previous research, our results confirmed the presence of insecure attachment bonds, both with mother and partner, in women victims of IPV. Moreover, the intergenerational transmission of attachment results to be a risk factor in outset of violence inside couple relationships.