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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Brenda M. Joly, PhD, Maine Center for Public Health, 12 Church Street, Augusta, ME 04330, (207) 629-9272, brendajoly@msn.com and Karen D. Liller, PhD, Community and Family Health, USF College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612.
The empirical link between adult attachment and female victimization is one that has remained virtually unaddressed, despite strong theoretical support. Yet, possible associations could reveal findings that may positively impact intervention and prevention initiatives. The purpose of this study was to determine whether abuse experience was associated with adult attachment styles. A total of 798 female participants provided consent and completed a survey questionnaire containing demographic items, control variables, two prominent adult attachment measures, and the revised Conflict Tactics Scales. The prevalence and chronicity of abuse were assessed and all participants were assigned a dominant attachment classification based on the attachment instruments. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine statistical associations between adult attachment and abuse experience based on the type, severity, and frequency of reported violence. The findings indicated rates of reported abuse consistent with the literature. Multivariate analyses revealed that abuse experience as a whole (psychological or physical) was not associated with adult attachment. However, more precise measures differentiating the type of abuse indicated significant findings. For example, attachment style was associated with physical abuse and the level of severity and frequency of psychological abuse. Results from this study provide a case for ongoing efforts in this area.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.