Witnessed Intimate Partner Abuse and Later Perpetration: the Maternal Attachment Influence
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2021 Witnessed Intimate Partner Abuse and Later Perpetration: The Maternal Attachment Influence Kendra Lee Wiechart Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Developmental Psychology Commons, and the Social Work Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Kendra Wiechart has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Sharon Xuereb, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Jessica Hart, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Victoria Latifses, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2021 Abstract Witnessed Intimate Partner Abuse and Later Perpetration: The Maternal Attachment Influence by Kendra Wiechart MA, Tiffin University, 2014 BA, The Ohio State University, 2010 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University May 2021 Abstract Witnessing intimate partner abuse (IPA) as a child is linked to later perpetration as an adult. Questions remain regarding why some men who witnessed abuse go on to perpetrate, while others do not. The influence maternal attachment has on IPA perpetration after witnessed IPA has not been thoroughly researched. Maternal attachment is a complex variable grounded in attachment theory and may explain why some men fail to relate to their victimized mothers. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence maternal attachment has on men who witnessed IPA as a child and later perpetrated IPA as an adult. An interpretative phenomenological approach was used to explore this. Eight participants responded to semistructured interview questions designed to explore their lived experiences regarding maternal attachment. While the majority of participants stated they felt a strong connection to their mother despite witnessing IPA as a child, further statements by participants seemed to coincide with anxious or avoidant forms of attachment. Study results shed light on the influence maternal attachment has on IPA perpetration and the societal implications regarding necessary counseling and support for young men who witnessed IPA. Societal acknowledgement of young male victimization regardless of subjection to physical abuse themselves would set the foundation for further funding, resources, and research regarding witnessed IPA, maternal attachment, and IPA perpetration that may prevent future incidents and end abusive cycles leading to positive social change. Witnessed Intimate Partner Abuse and Later Perpetration: The Maternal Attachment Influence by Kendra Wiechart MA, Tiffin University, 2014 BA, The Ohio State University, 2010 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University May 2021 Dedication This dissertation is dedication to those who encouraged the challenge, supported the effort, and will benefit from the outcome. Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge those who have helped me in this process. Thank you, Dr. Xuereb, for your timely responses and the simplicity of your expectations. It is a rare feat to find a chair that both supports and challenges you every step of the way - I am lucky to have found that in you. Thank you also to Dr. Jessica Hart, who has provided clear feedback helping me grow in my thought process and development. Both you and Dr. Xuereb contribute so much to your students. I would also like to thank my family for their continued support and understanding through this time-consuming process. Table of Contents Table 1. Themes and Subthemes ..................................................................................v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................2 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................4 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................5 Research Questions and Hypotheses .............................................................................6 Theoretical Framework for the Study ............................................................................7 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................8 Definitions....................................................................................................................10 Assumptions .................................................................................................................11 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................11 Limitations ...................................................................................................................13 Significance..................................................................................................................13 Summary ......................................................................................................................14 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................17 Introduction ..................................................................................................................17 Literature Search Strategy ............................................................................................18 Theoretical Foundation ................................................................................................19 Attachment Theory ............................................................................................... 19 Emotional Security Theory ................................................................................... 24 i Betrayal Trauma Theory ....................................................................................... 25 Social Learning Theory ......................................................................................... 26 Literature Review Related to Key Variables ...............................................................27 Witnessed IPA ...................................................................................................... 28 Witnessed IPA and IPA Perpetration ............................................................. 31 Attachment ............................................................................................................ 33 Maternal Attachment ...................................................................................... 34 IPA Perpetrator Characteristics ............................................................................. 40 Witnessing IPA, Attachment, and IPA Perpetration ............................................. 44 Mediation Analysis ............................................................................................... 45 Conclusions from Literature Review ...........................................................................46 Summary ......................................................................................................................49 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................51 Introduction ..................................................................................................................51 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................51 Methodology ................................................................................................................52 Population ............................................................................................................. 52 Sampling and Sampling Procedures ..................................................................... 53 Procedures for Recruitment, Participation, and Data Collection .......................... 55 Instrumentation and Operationalization of Constructs ......................................... 56 Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure ......................................... 56 Experience in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures........................... 57 ii Conflict Tactics Scale Revised- Short Term .................................................... 58 Operationalization ................................................................................................. 60 Data Analysis Plan ...............................................................................................