The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma on Romantic Relationships in Adulthood: A Quantitative Study on Adults from Divorced Families
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Objective: Childhood trauma, particularly stemming from parental divorce, has been associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes in adulthood. However, the mechanisms through which such early-life experiences influence adult romantic relationship satisfaction remain insufficiently understood. Guided by attachment theory, this study investigates the direct and indirect effects of childhood trauma on adult romantic relationships, with a focus on the mediating roles of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance.
Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed using a sample of 412 adults (ages 20–50) who experienced parental divorce. Participants completed validated measures including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R), and the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI-16). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, multiple regression, and parallel mediation modeling via PROCESS.
Findings: Childhood trauma was significantly negatively associated with adult romantic relationship satisfaction (r = -0.59, p < .001). Both attachment anxiety (r = -0.65, p < .001) and avoidance (r = -0.58, p < .001) partially mediated this relationship. The regression model accounted for 51% of the variance in relationship satisfaction (R² = .51). Mediation analysis confirmed significant indirect effects of trauma on relationship satisfaction through both attachment dimensions.
Conclusion: : Findings highlight the enduring impact of childhood trauma from parental divorce on adult romantic functioning. Insecure attachment styles serve as key psychological mechanisms linking early adversity to relationship dissatisfaction. Clinical interventions aimed at improving attachment security may mitigate the long-term relational consequences of childhood trauma and enhance romantic relationship quality in adulthood.
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