Adult attachment as mediator between recollections of childhood and satisfaction with life

Abstract

In accordance with attachment theory, the present study investigates whether internal working models of attachment mediated the association between childhood memories and satisfaction about life in adulthood. A convenient sample of 437 participants completed questionnaires assessing a broad range of childhood memories, working models of attachment and life satisfaction. After controlling for demographics, relational status and living condition, Baron and Kenny's mediation criteria were met for the association between memories about childhood, adult attachment and life satisfaction. That is, family warmth and harmony and parental support were associated with attachment security while parental rejection and adverse childhood events (e.g., abuse, parental psychopathology) were associated with an insecure attachment style. More securely attached individuals were in turn more satisfied about their current life than insecurely attached individuals. Sobel test confirmed these findings. These finding are in accordance with attachment theory and highlight the importance of this theory for understanding how early childhood experiences may impact adult life.

Attachment, Self-Esteem and Subjective Well-Being Among Survivors of Childhood Sexual Trauma

“…In comparison, adults who have positive childhood experiences often have very high levels of life satisfaction, indicating that individuals who experience childhood sexual trauma may experience lower levels of subjective well-being (Hinnen, Sanderman & Sprangers, 2009). In their study, Hinnen et al, (2009) surveyed 437 participants, primarily female, to assess family context, parental behavior, childhood adversities (i.e. divorce, neglect, abuse), adulthood attachment style and life satisfaction.…”

“…divorce, neglect, abuse), adulthood attachment style and life satisfaction. Results from a regression analysis indicated that childhood memories contributes to adult attachment which in turn ATTACHMENT, SELF-ESTEEM AND SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING 8 contributes overall subjective well-being (Hinnen et al, 2009). For example, individuals who have history of abuse in childhood are shown to have lower levels of attachment security.…”

“…For example, Leserman (2005) found that survivors of sexual trauma experienced lower levels of subjective well-being. In addition, research has shown that individuals who experience childhood sexual trauma are more likely to have insecure attachment, which is related to lower well-being (Hinnen et al, 2009). Third, it was predicted that higher sexual self-esteem would be related to greater subjective well-being, based on past research that has shown sexual and relationship satisfaction contribute to subjective well-being (Gnilka et al, 2013).…”

“…Multiple aspects of an individual's life, including attachment, affect subjective well-being (Hinnen, Sanderman & Sprangers, 2009;Gnilka, Ashby & Noble, 2013). This relationship can be significant, especially in early adolescence (Ma & Hueber, 2008).…”

“…An additional study analyzing 437 adult participants found that a warm and harmonious parental support provided secure levels of attachment. In addition, individuals who experienced childhood sexual trauma had higher levels of insecure attachment (Hinnen, Sanderman & Sprangers, 2009). …”