Interpersonal Dependency Constructs and Male Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

This study analyzed the subscales of the Interpersonal Dependency Inventory to investigate the levels of dependency among men court ordered to enter a batterers intervention program, determine associations between the subscales and violence, and evaluate the treatment's ability to change dependency on program completers. A secondary analysis with 114 men was used. Results indicated that using negotiation tactics and psychological aggression were significantly associated with emotional reliance on another person. Furthermore, the level of injury inflicted on a partner was associated with 2 subscales. No change in the level of dependency was found. Implications regarding treatment were explored and discussed.