Adaptability and cohesion: Implications for understanding the violence-prone system

Most research on physical abuse in relationships has been conducted from the perspective of the individual. Data compiled on couples have been mostly aggregate in nature. The present study examines physical violence at the level of the relationship from the perspective of both individuals involved. Using the Circumplex Model of Family Functioning as the conceptual framework, 75 intact couples in a counseling agency completed the Conflict Tactics Scale and the FACES III inventory at intake. The purpose of the research was to define characteristics of violent couples in terms of adaptability and cohesion in the relationship as measured by the self-report questionnaires. Findings suggest that violent couples are significantly more rigid on the adaptability dimension of FACES III. However, contrary to suggestions that violent couples are enmeshed, the present results showed that they were significantly more disengaged as measured by FACES III. Implications of the findings for therapeutic intervention of violent couples is discussed.