The relationship between insecure early attachment and intimate partner abuse: a case study

Goodall, Julia

The relationship between insecure early attachment and intimate partner abuse: a case study

Master Thesis

2011

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Psychology

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

Feminist theory locates intimate partner violence within a social, emotional and political discourse of silencing a non-dominant group. This thesis expands on feminist thinking and considers insecure early attachment in the evolution and maintenance of later intimate partner violence. It reflects on the complex interplay between insecure attachment, particularly ambivalent/preoccupied attachment, and experiences of trauma in the development of borderline personality disorder. The study employs a qualitative in-depth single-case design to explore the subjective experience of early attachment and intimate partner abuse from the perspective of a South African woman with borderline personality disorder. Case material was generated within the intersubjective space of a therapeutic relationship over a ten month period, and illustrates the far-reaching effects of early attachment relationships on adult functioning.

Description

Includes abstract.

Includes bibliographical references.

Keywords

Clinical Psychology

Reference:

Collections

Masters

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