Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Attachment Styles in Adults

Abstract

This correlational study investigates the potential associations between childhood trauma experiences and adult attachment styles. Utilizing the Adult Attachment Scale (AAS) and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), data were collected from a sample of 175 participants. Correlation analyses examined the relationships between various subscales of childhood trauma (including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect) and adult attachment dimensions (including closeness, dependence, and anxiety). Surprisingly, no significant correlations were found between childhood trauma and attachment styles, except for a significant positive relationship between physical neglect and anxiety in attachment. These findings highlight the complexity of the interplay between childhood trauma and adult attachment, suggesting the need for further investigation in this area. Understanding the psychological implications of childhood trauma remains crucial for developing targeted interventions aimed at promoting resilience and well-being among trauma survivors.