Attachment style and defense mechanisms in parents who abuse their children.
Adult attachment style, defense mechanisms, and personal history of abuse was studied in a group of abusive parents. As a group, these parents made unusually high use of the defense of denial; this was especially true of those with a Fearful attachment style. However, the use of Identification was characteristic of those with a Preoccupied attachment style. Further, personal abuse history was related to adult attachment style. Those who reported having been abused as a child were less likely to have a Secure attachment style, and a history of physical or sexual abuse was associated with a Preoccupied style. In general, these findings support the deactivating/hyperactivating defensive theory of Mikulincer et al (Emotion Regulation in Couples and Families: Pathways to Dysfunction and Health. 2006; pp 77-99. Washington (WA): American Psychological Association).
Cramer
Phebe
P
Department of Psychology, Williams College, Williamstown, MA 01267, USA. phebe.cramer@williams.edu
Kelly
Francis D
FD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D057237:Criminals / Q000523:psychology*; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D004644:Emotions; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009769:Object Attachment; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires