| In 2000, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that one in four women have experienced domestic violence in her lifetime. Alexander (2002) cited that prevalence rates of domestic violence have been found to be anywhere from 25%--50% in LGBT relationships. Traditional treatment has focused on issues regarding power and control, and has been based on a feminist model perspective (Stover, Meadows, & Kaufman, 2009). However, research has shown a significant correlation between attachment theory and violent behaviors (Dutton et al., 1994; Bekker et. al, 2007; Doumas et al, 2008; Kesner & Mckenry, 1998). Insecure attachment styles have been shown to increase a propensity to behave in a violent manner (Gormley, 2005; Henderson et al., 2005). Parental characteristics and child-rearing styles have an impact on both the development of attachment style as well as the capacity to form quality intimate partnerships (Perris & Anderson, 2000). The vast majority of research has focused on heterosexual couples despite the growing concern in the LGBT population. Additionally, even with the research implicating attachment theory and parental characteristics as plausible factors in domestic violence, no study has sought to identify a possible correlational relationship between both. The present study used quantitative self-report measures of attachment and parental bonding characteristics to investigate these relationships. It was hypothesized that the LGBT population of domestic violence offenders will have significantly higher rates of insecure attachment styles as well reporting lower quality parental bonds than those who are not domestic violence offenders. This relationship was examined in a primarily Caucasian sample of 24 participants in the LGBT community. The sample consisted of 6 domestic violence batterers, 8 subjects who were currently participating in a psychotherapy mental health group that had no history of domestic violence battering, and 10 subjects who were participating in a social support group that had no history of domestic violence battering. The participants were recruited via listervs, psychotherapy and support groups, mental health agencies, and by word of mouth. Attachment security was assessed using the Experiences in Close Relationships--Revised questionnaire as well as with the Relationships Styles Questionnaire. Parental bonding styles were assessed using the Parental Bonding Instrument.;Results of the current study support the notion that less than optimal parental bonding styles may influence domestic violence, as the batterers showed significantly higher rates of affectionate constraint parental types. Even further, the findings also show that there may be more affectionless control parental styles among the LGBT population as a whole than previously known. While affectionless control has previously been shown to be more pathogenic, current findings suggest it may not impact domestic violence perpetration as hypothesized. Finally, while the results of the study don't implicate insecure attachment as a factor in domestic violence perpetration, the rates of insecure attachment may be higher among the LGBT population than previously believed. Limitations and implications for future research are also discussed. |
