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Article
The Association of Attachment Anxiety and Avoidance with Emotional Dating Abuse Perpetration Using Multimethod, Dyadic Data
Violence and Victims
  • Elizabeth A. Goncy, Cleveland State University
  • Manfred H.M. van Dulmen, Kent State University - Kent Campus
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2016
Abstract

This study examined the relationship between emotional dating abuse perpetration and attachment anxiety and avoidance using multimethod, multi-informant dyadic data. Data were derived from a sample of young adult heterosexual dating couples (N = 113 couples). We measured attachment through self-report survey data and emotional dating abuse through self-report surveys, partner-report surveys, and ratings by independent observers of a videotaped couple interaction. Both female and male anxiety were related to female emotional abuse across each method. Male anxiety was related to male emotional abuse in survey data, but female anxiety was related to male emotional abuse in observed data. Neither male nor female avoidance was related to emotional abuse. Dating abuse prevention should focus on attachment anxiety factors (e.g., jealousy, anger) to reduce emotional abuse in young adult romantic relationships.

DOI
10.1891/0886-6708.VV-D-14-00125
Version
Postprint
Citation Information
Elizabeth A. Goncy and Manfred H.M. van Dulmen. "The Association of Attachment Anxiety and Avoidance with Emotional Dating Abuse Perpetration Using Multimethod, Dyadic Data" Violence and Victims Vol. 31 Iss. 4 (2016) p. 622 - 637 ISSN: 0886-6708
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/liz-goncy/3/