Adolescent dating aggression: a review of the phenomenon of couple violence in adolescence and the contribution of attach-ment theory

Journal title SOCIOLOGIA E RICERCA SOCIALE
Author/s Lorenza Di Pentima, Susanna Racalbuto
Publishing Year 2022 Issue 2022/128
Language Italian Pages 27 P. 76-102 File size 286 KB
DOI 10.3280/SR2022-128005
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The present review, focused on dating aggression in adolescence, has two ob- jectives: 1) to describe the relational dynamics of adolescent couples in which one partner exercises physical and/or psychological violence towards the other; 2) provide an interpretation of causal factors according to attachment theory. Studies conducted with the attachment framework show that insecure ties with parental figures are at the origin of: a) mental representations of the self and the other that do not allow a correct reading of the intention of others; b) a lack of mentalization, that is, difficulty in understanding the inner processes of others; c) inadequate skills in the regulation of one’s own emotions. All these factors deter- mine a risk of violent behavior even within the relationship.

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Lorenza Di Pentima, Susanna Racalbuto, L’Adolescent dating aggression: una review sul fenomeno delle violenze di coppia in adolescenza e il contributo della teoria dell’attaccamento in "SOCIOLOGIA E RICERCA SOCIALE " 128/2022, pp 76-102, DOI: 10.3280/SR2022-128005