Intimate Partner Violence and Risk of Psychiatric Symptoms: the Moderating Role of Attachment

Numerous studies have examined attachment in intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration, but less is known about adult attachment insecurity relative to victimization. This study’s objective was to evaluate attachment insecurity as a moderator of the association between IPV victimization and risk of psychiatric symptoms. Data come from a subsample (n = 215) of female healthcare workers in a longitudinal study of violence and health. Structural equation modeling was conducted to evaluate the association between IPV victimization and posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms and to examine IPV exposure and psychiatric outcomes by levels of attachment insecurity. Findings suggest that anxious attachment confers vulnerability to depression following conflict and highlight the importance of attachment security in the context of interventions for interpersonal violence.