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From Scared to Repaired: Using an Attachment‐Based Perspective to Understand Situational Couple Violence
Author(s) -
Schneider Christine,
Brimhall Andrew S.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of marital and family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.868
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1752-0606
pISSN - 0194-472X
DOI - 10.1111/jmft.12023
Subject(s) - attachment theory , situational ethics , perspective (graphical) , psychology , receipt , insecure attachment , construct (python library) , domestic violence , social psychology , psychotherapist , poison control , human factors and ergonomics , medicine , computer science , medical emergency , artificial intelligence , world wide web , programming language
Situational couple violence (SCV) is a common problem in couples presenting for therapy. SCV, as seen through the lens of attachment, can be viewed as a result of an insecure attachment system within the couple. Although several authors have discussed individual attachment styles as predictors of both the receipt and perpetration of violence, in this article we seek to portray the attachment system as a relational and changing construct. As such, we argue for conjoint treatment for SCV as a way to restructure a more secure attachment system within the couple. Cautions for the appropriateness of couples counseling with ongoing violence are included. Finally, we discuss the use of an attachment‐based safety plan and time‐out strategy to use with couples experiencing SCV.