Publication Date

Spring 4-27-2025

School

School of Behavioral Sciences

Major

Psychology

Keywords

Attachment theory, Adult romantic relationships, Childhood trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Insecure attachment styles, Anxious attachment, Avoidant attachment, Emotional abuse, Neglect, Emotion regulation, Social support, Relationship satisfaction, Emotional intimacy, Trust, Trauma-informed therapy

Disciplines

Child Psychology | Clinical Psychology | Developmental Psychology | Personality and Social Contexts | Social Psychology

Abstract

Attachment theory provides a key framework for understanding adult romantic relationships, especially for individuals with a history of childhood trauma. Early adverse experiences, such as emotional abuse and neglect, as well as broader categories of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), can disrupt attachment development, contributing to insecure attachment styles—anxious or avoidant—that influence relationship dynamics in adulthood. This review synthesizes current literature on how childhood trauma contributes to attachment patterns and emotional intimacy, trust, and relationship satisfaction in adult romantic relationships. It also highlights the role of attachment in mediating the effects of childhood trauma on romantic relationships. Finally, the review proposes future research to investigate the specific pathways through which emotional abuse, neglect, and other ACEs predict insecure attachment styles and relationship satisfaction, with a focus on mediating factors such as emotion regulation and social support. These findings aim to inform therapeutic interventions for individuals navigating the complexities of trauma and attachment in their romantic relationships.

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