This study examined the relationship between early object relations and battered women. The problem of violence toward women is an epidemic in America. Evidence collected over a 20-year period indicates that physical, emotional and sexual violence against women is an enormous problem. Much of the violence is perpetuated by the woman's intimate partner. Object Relations theory explains the dynamic that causes women to remain in a life threatening abusive relationship. The effect of neglect and unmet childhood dependency needs on the development of personality impacts the woman's selection of men in intimate relationships. The woman who is repeatedly a victim of physical, emotional and sexual abuse has most often times been deprived due to childhood experiences that did not allow for the development of a sense of self or a healthy ego structure. This study addressed those unmet early childhood needs as well as therapeutic interventions that can assist in helping the woman to break the cycle of violence.

The study was an exploratory study of 12 female victims of domestic violence. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between Early Object Relations and Battered Women, using the (AAI) Adult Attachment Interview protocol instrument.

The AAI is a structured, semi-clinical hour long protocol of twenty questions with structured follow-up probes. The study looked at probable characteristics of early deficits in the developmental environment that predisposed the women in the study to unconsciously seek out relationships with men who abused them.

Results of the findings indicated that although 83% of the women were abused as children both sexually and physically, only 50% of the subjects lacked good object relations. Fifty percent (50%) of the research subjects had unresolved trauma and loss in their lives. Narratives detailed that research subject's experiences of abuse and neglect in early attachment relationships, in addition to estranged family relationships which were evident by the Adult Attachment Interview coding of "Summary of Experiences" for each subject. Research findings indicated a correlation between deficits in early object relations and battered women. Evidence of trauma and loss suggest future research in the resiliency of women from domestic violence relationships.

The findings provide critical information which can enhance the psychodynamic and relational understanding of early experiences and development of self. The psychodynamic therapeutic approach should be the treatment of choice with this population to stop the cycle of violence for future generations to come. Policy implications impacting this population include the need for advocacy to obtain a variety of social services (housing, employment, education) in addition to raising public awareness. There is also a need to change legislation and public policy regarding the plight of the abused woman.