Childhood Trauma and Its Effects on Adulthood Romantic Relationships

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between childhood experiences, adult attachment, and intimacy in romantic relationships. A sample of 47 participants completed measures of maladaptive parenting (YPI), adverse childhood experiences (ACE), attachment (ECR), and intimacy (PAIR). Results showed that maladaptive parenting was not significantly related to attachment or intimacy. In contrast, attachment anxiety and avoidance were associated with lower emotional intimacy and, to a lesser extent, sexual intimacy, but not social intimacy. Regression analyses indicated that attachment significantly predicted emotional intimacy only. Overall, the findings suggest that adult attachment plays a more central role in romantic relationship functioning than early parenting experiences, highlighting the importance of attachment processes in shaping intimacy.