Attachment Styles and Intimate Partner Violence: Exploring Anger Expression and Anger Control as Mediators

This study examines the mediating roles of anger expression styles and anger control in the relationship between adult attachment styles and intimate partner violence. Data were collected from 412 participants using the Socio-Demographic Information Form, Conflict Resolution Styles Scale, State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, and the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory-II. Statistical analyses, including independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlation analysis, and mediation analyses, were performed using SPSS 25 and the PROCESS Macro. The results revealed no significant gender differences in attachment anxiety; however, men exhibited significantly higher levels of attachment avoidance. Attachment anxiety was positively associated with trait anger and outward anger expression, and negatively with anger control. Likewise, attachment avoidance correlated positively with trait anger, suppressed anger, and outward anger expression, and negatively with anger control. Outward anger expression emerged as a risk factor for partner violence, whereas suppressed anger appeared to have a mitigating effect. Trait anger and anger control did not demonstrate significant mediating effects. These findings underscore the role of attachment styles in anger regulation and intimate partner violence, suggesting the potential utility of therapeutic interventions targeting attachment dynamics in preventing violent behaviors.