Date
8-6-2025
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Suzie A. Johnson
Keywords
attachment styles, childhood emotional maltreatment, romantic relationships
Disciplines
Counseling
Recommended Citation
Smetana, Patricia A., "Childhood Emotional Maltreatment: A Phenomenological Approach of Its Influence on Adult Attachment and Romantic Relationships" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7323.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7323
Abstract
This phenomenological qualitative study examined the lasting effects, if any, of childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) on adult females' romantic relationships. The research explored participants’ perceptions of relationship fundamentals that influence adult attachment formation and the quality of romantic relationships, emphasizing the crucial role of adult attachment in relational quality and overall well-being. Online, two-part semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant, yielding a total of 22 interviews. These interviews investigated the participants’ perceptions of how CEM shaped their views of their own and others’ behaviors within adult romantic relationships. The study focused exclusively on adult female survivors of CEM, excluding instances involving sexual or physical abuse. It examined their coping mechanisms, levels of relationship satisfaction, and conflict resolution strategies. Thematic analysis of the interview data and associated questionnaire responses revealed the significance of CEM in shaping relational dynamics. These findings aim to inform strategies for enhancing emotional well-being and fostering resilience in romantic relationships among survivors. Presented through a composite description, the findings illuminate the potential influence of CEM on adult romantic experiences and underscore the importance of addressing these impacts to support overall psychological health and relationship quality.
