Date of Graduation
1997
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Control is often a central concept in the explanation and treatment of physical spouse abuse. This study examined the usefulness of W. J. Doherty's and N. Colangelo's Family FIRO Model in explaining issues of control in physically aggressive couple relationships. The model is an adaptation of W. Schutz's Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation theory, which predicts the interpersonal fit in relationships from the satisfaction of the partners' intrapersonal inclusion, control, and affection needs. In further describing these needs, Doherty and colleagues place issues related to control in separate need areas, which could affect the initial focus of treatment. Thirty couples recruited in two rural counties of Western Maryland and West Virginia were assigned to three groups based upon their report of physical abuse within the preceding 12 months and their Dyadic Adjustment Scale Scores. All completed the FIRO-B, which measures intrapersonal needs, and a Demographic Data Form. One-way ANOVAs tested between group differences on total reciprocal compatibility scores and on reciprocal compatibility scores in each need area. No significant differences were found; however, a post hoc test on the one almost significant difference showed a difference between the Control and Dissatisfied groups. Implications of the findings, possible treatment approaches, limitations of the study, and the value of possible future research is discussed.
Recommended Citation
Wiseman, Antoinette Sgarlata, "Family FIRO model perspectives on physical spouse abuse: An exploratory study." (1997). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 10037.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10037