Multiple attachments in women with domestic violence experiences.

Abstract

According to attachment theory internal working models contain representations of self, others and interpersonal relationships. The attachment system tends to remain stable throughout a lifetime, the correlation concerning the typology of attachment during infancy and adulthood having been extensively demonstrated (Attili, 2004). An interesting field of research concerns attachment bonds that present discontinuity between the state of mind with regard to attachment to principal caregivers and the attachment model to the partner (Feeney, 2008). The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between attachment typology and experiences as a couple in women who have suffered domestic violence. More specifically, having administered the Adult Attachment Interview (George, Kaplan, & Main, 1985) to a group of 15 women living in a safe house (located at a secret address) for women and children fleeing from domestic violence, we focused on 4 women, aged from 35 to 45, with a secure attachment. AAI transcripts, in addition to being classified as Secure (F), Entangled (E), Dismissing (Ds) and Unresolved/disorganized (U/d) typologies, were also analysed according to a qualitative perspective of narrations (Steele & Steele, 2008), which consented the focalizing of recurrent and affectively meaningful topics. In the transcripts of the 4 women with secure attachment it was possible to observe some specific characteristics related to the narration of personal stories and couple relationship, and to mentalization processes. In particular the capacity to evaluate exactly violence suffered during infancy and adulthood was revealed; experiences of rejection and role reversal are considered negative, are not normalized and do not activate other defense mechanisms. For these women, having experienced an affectionate relationship seems to have constituted a protective resource that has empowered them to denounce domestic violence and to be protective towards their children.