Unmet Interpersonal Needs Contribute To Accepting Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence

Attitudinal acceptance of intimate partner violence is a risk factor for experiencing intimate partner violence. In comparison with static factors associated with intimate partner violence, there is a dearth of research on dynamic factors. Targeting dynamic correlates of attitudes toward intimate partner violence is advantageous for the reduction of risk. This study examined how unmet interpersonal needs (i.e., perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness) are associated with accepting attitudes toward intimate partner violence in 137 women seeking help from a domestic violence shelter. After accounting for confounds, perceived burdensomeness, but not thwarted belongingness, was associated with more accepting attitudes toward intimate partner violence. These findings highlight the need to increase perceived self-worth to help reduce women's intimate partner violence risk.