ABSTRACT
Attachment theory has proven to be a clinically valuable way to assess and conceptualize adult romantic relationships (Crowell & Waters, 1994; Feeney & Noller, 1990; Griffin & Bartholomew, 1994; Hazan & Shaver, 1994; West & Sheldon-Keller, 1992) as well as abusive relationships (Bowlby, 1979; Dutton & Painter, 1993; Dutton, Saunders, Starzomski, & Bartholomew, 1994; Holtzworth-Munroe, Stuart, & Hutchinson, 1997; Mayseless, 1991; Roberts & Noller, 1998). However, much of the research applying attachment theory to abusive relationships has focused on individual partners or on specific characteristics of the spousal relationship rather than looking at both partners in the relationship. Additionally, Strouse (1973) has proposed that attachment relationships and spousal violence occur within the context of larger systems.
