Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma

Erskine’s Relational Needs Model, a core component of Relationally focused and Developmentally based Integrative Psychotherapy, emphasizes that relational needs are intrinsic to human nature, highlighting their vital role in shaping our emotional well-being and interpersonal interactions. When these needs are met, individuals may experience feelings of importance and love, but when they remain unfulfilled, negative emotions can adversely impact their well-being. These needs develop at the beginning of life and are influenced by childhood experiences. This study’s primary objective was to investigate the relationship between childhood trauma, relational needs, psychological distress, and well-being. We also tested a model incorporating relational needs as a mediator. Measures related to childhood trauma, relational needs, psychological distress, and well-being were administered to a total of 364 adults. Pearson correlation results demonstrated a negative association between the satisfaction of relational needs, childhood traumas, depression, anxiety, and stress, while also revealing a positive correlation with well-being. Structural equation modeling results confirmed the mediating role of relational needs in the relationship between childhood trauma and psychological state (distress and well-being). Our findings are consistent with the theoretical framework of the Relational Needs Model, suggesting that childhood maltreatment negatively affects current relational needs satisfaction, thereby increasing psychological distress and reducing well-being. This study is the first to empirically demonstrate the connection between Erskine’s model and key variables, highlighting the importance of addressing relational needs in psychotherapy to promote client well-being.

Prior research suggests that parental attachment can influence adolescents’ behavioral problems, such as aggression. However, these studies have often overlooked the potential role of adolescents’ individual attributes in mediating this relationship. To address this gap, the present study investigates the indirect effect of maternal attachment on adolescents’ aggression through self-efficacy, an important individual attribute. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis on a random sample of adolescents from Shanghai, China, this study finds that self-efficacy significantly mediates the relationship between maternal attachment and reactive aggression. Considering these results, intervention programs aimed at adolescent development should emphasize strengthening self-efficacy to mitigate aggression.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a major public issue. However, data on the emotional impact of IPV is limited and the mechanisms involved are poorly explored. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess the effect of IPV experiences on negative affect, exploring the mediating role of adult attachment (anxiety and avoidance). A total of 599 participants (Mage = 28.01; SD = 7.81) were recruited. The following self-reports were used: Conflict Tactic Scale-Short form; Experience in Close Relationships Scale; Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Direct and indirect effect of IPV on negative affect were tested through a mediation analysis. IPV experiences resulted not directly associated with negative affect. However, an indirect relationship emerged mediated by attachment anxiety and avoidance. These findings highlight the emotional impact of IPV experiences, emphasizing the role of deactivating and hyperactivating strategies of the attachment system