1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«The purpose of this study was to assess the problems in adult couple relationships in a sample of males and females who disclosed being victims of abuse, neglect, or both during childhood and compare them to a nonvictimized comparison group. The first aim was to expand on the findings from earlier studies that are often limited to one type of abuse. Therefore, this study examined the relationship among a range of maltreatment experiences (physical abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse) and interpersonal problems. […] The second aim of this study was to use interpersonal theories as a framework for understanding patterns of maladaptive intimate relationships of victims of childhood maltreatment. […] Finally, the third aim of this study was to examine if males and females with histories of childhood maltreatment differ in the types of interpersonal problems they report.» (p. 143)

Questions/Hypothèses :
«It is postulated that the victims of childhood abuse and neglect will show more interpersonal problems in their couple relationships than nonvictims. […] As mentioned earlier, it is proposed that the various forms of maltreatment will relate differently to the dimensions of agency and communion in couple relationships.» (p. 143)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«The final sample consisted of 1,728 students (320 males and 1,408 females) for whom complete data were available. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 65 years (M age for males = 27.3, SD = 8.0; M age for females = 24.9, SD = 6.2).» (p. 143)

Instruments :
Questionnaire «Childhood Trauma - Short Form»

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

«In summary, despite the vast attention paid by previous studies to the adult intimate relationships of victims of childhood sexual abuse, the male and female victims of sexual abuse in this study did not appear to be more vulnerable to couple interpersonal problems than nonvictims. However, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and emotional neglect were strongly associated with couple interpersonal problems, especially for males. Significant differences in terms of couple interpersonal difficulties were also revealed between those with a history of physical neglect and those without such a history. Intervention programs addressing difficulties in couple relationships should thus consider the history of all types of childhood maltreatment in helping couples build healthier relationships. Additionally, being a victim of emotional neglect was associated with couple interpersonal problems in the submissive southern hemisphere of the circumplex, such as having difficulties expressing needs to a partner and having problems being firm and assertive toward a partner. On the contrary, physical abuse for males and emotional abuse for females contributed more to couple interpersonal problems in the northern hemisphere, with problems related to being controlling, manipulating, and aggressive toward and trying to change a partner.» (p. 154-155)