AN EXAMINATION OF A TYPOLOGY OF INTIMATE PARTNER PSYCHOLOGICAL AGGRESSION USING THE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL EMOTIONAL ABUSE SCALE (MDEAS)

Abstract

This study investigated a typology of abuse using the Multi-Dimensional Emotional Abuse Scale (MDEAS) in order to determine the utility of using the MDEAS with a diverse, clinical sample. Respondents were 242 couples seeking couples therapy at a university-based clinic. Factor analyses were conducted on both women's and men's reports of partners' psychologically abusive behaviors as indicated on the self-report questionnaire. Analyses yielded four-factor models for both groups, although there were some differences in item retention between the groups. Forced two-factor analyses were also performed, and results indicated that a four-factor model better conceptualized the nature of psychological abuse when using the MDEAS. Finally, associations between types of psychological abuse and relationship factors were examined. All factors of psychological abuse were significantly associated with physical abuse and relationship satisfaction; factors differed in their associations with attachment styles. The clinical implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are provided.