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An Adult Attachment Theoretical Perspective of Gender Symmetry in Intimate Partner Violence

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Abstract

Adult attachment theory and research specifically related to men’s and women’s intimate partner violence (IPV) are reviewed. In an effort to help explain gender similarities, two different IPV patterns predicted by individual differences in adult attachment orientations are proposed. Gender differences are addressed, including by critiquing the assessment of outcome severity in previous research. Applications to practice and recommendations for future research are discussed.

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  1. University of Miami School of Education, 312 Merrick Building, P.O. Box 248065, Coral Gables, Florida, 33124-2040

    Barbara Gormley

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  1. Barbara Gormley
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Correspondence to Barbara Gormley.

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Gormley, B. An Adult Attachment Theoretical Perspective of Gender Symmetry in Intimate Partner Violence. Sex Roles 52, 785–795 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-005-4199-3

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