Relationship Between Childhood Physical Abuse and Adult Attachment Styles

• NCJ Number: 247928
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 29 Issue: 3 Dated: April 2014 Pages: 223-234
• Author(s): Jo Ann M. Unger; Rayleen V. De Luca
• Date Published: April 2014
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The purpose of the study was to identify the insecure adult attachment style associated with childhood physical abuse.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify the insecure adult attachment style associated with childhood physical abuse. Five hundred fifty-two female and 294 male university students completed questionnaires on their child abuse history, adult attachment style, and other variables. Regression analyses were completed. A history of physical abuse was associated with attachment avoidance while controlling for other forms of childhood abuse. Some support was also found for an association between physical abuse and attachment anxiety. Social support, as a control variable, was found to be an important predictor of attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety. A history of childhood physical abuse has important and specific impacts on intimate adult relationships with social support acting as a possible protective factor. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.