The Relational Consequences of Childhood Trauma: Attachment Patterns in Adults’ Life

The Relational Consequences of Childhood Trauma: Attachment Patterns in Adults’ Life | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article The Relational Consequences of Childhood Trauma: Attachment Patterns in Adults’ Life Jangjeet Chahal, Tasneem Shah This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7261046/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The present study explores the long-term psychological effects of childhood trauma on adult attachment styles, focusing on the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and the development of attachment patterns in adulthood. Utilizing the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaire, the study assessed participants’ exposure to ten categories of childhood adversity, including emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction such as parental separation, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Attachment styles in adulthood—categorized as secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant—were measured using a validated adult attachment scale. Statistical analyses, including correlation, revealed a significant relationship between high ACE scores and the prevalence of insecure attachment styles. Individuals with multiple ACEs were more likely to report difficulties in emotional closeness, fear of abandonment, avoidance of intimacy, and challenges in trusting others. Conversely, participants with lower ACE scores were more likely to demonstrate secure attachment patterns, characterized by healthy emotional regulation and interpersonal trust. The findings suggest that early traumatic experiences can have a profound and lasting influence on how individuals form and maintain relationships throughout life. The study highlights the critical need for trauma-informed interventions that address attachment-related issues in therapy and counselling. It also emphasizes the importance of early prevention and support systems for at-risk children to foster secure attachment development. The research contributes to the growing body of literature linking developmental trauma to adult relational functioning and provides a framework for clinical practitioners to better understand the underlying attachment issues that may stem from childhood adversity. Childhood trauma Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) adult attachment styles insecure attachment trauma-informed care relational patterns Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Introduction Childhood trauma plays a significant role in shaping in their adult relationships (Hocking et al., 2016 )(Erozkan, 2016 ). The Empirical research supports this theory. Individuals who faced trauma in childhood frequently display patterns of emotional detachment, fear of intimacy, or dependency long-term consequences extending into adult life (Yumbul et al., 2010 ). Numerous studies suggest that these adverse experiences interfere with the development of secure attachment bonds, which are essential for emotional stability and healthy interpersonal functioning (Bowlby, 1982 ). The Attachment theory, pioneered by John Bowlby, emphasizes that the nature of early relationships with caregivers creates a foundation for future relational patterns. When caregivers provide consistent support and emotional attachment, children are more likely to develop secure attachments. In contrast, those exposed to trauma are at risk of forming insecure attachment styles—namely anxious, avoidant, or disorganized—which hinder the ability to form trusting, stable relationships later in life (Erozkan, 2016 ). The Empirical research supports this theory. Individuals who faced trauma in childhood frequently display patterns of emotional detachment, fear of intimacy, or dependency in their adult relationships (Hocking et al., 2016 ). The relationship between childhood trauma and adult attachment continues to be a vital area of psychological inquiry, as it helps clarify how early adversity can lead to maladaptive relational outcomes (Weaver & Sullins, 2022 ). For example, Yılmaz et al., ( 2022 ) demonstrated that traumatic childhood experiences can decrease the likelihood of forming secure attachments while increasing tendencies toward insecure styles. These findings are particularly important for mental health practitioners, as they offer a basis for trauma-informed care that addresses relational wounds and promotes healthier connection patterns. The Understanding the link between unresolved childhood trauma and adult attachment styles is crucial for developing effective psychological interventions. Research shows that such trauma may lead to patterns of mistrust, emotional withdrawal, and relational instability in adulthood (SÖĞÜT & KÖSE, 2023 ). This review aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between early trauma—including neglect, abuse, and family dysfunction—and adult attachment behaviours. By the synthesizing findings from existing literature, this study seeks to uncover key insights and research gaps regarding the influence of trauma on adult attachment. It also proposes directions for future research that could inform more effective, individualized therapeutic interventions. Ultimately, gaining a deeper understanding of this connection can help clinicians develop more tailored approaches for those struggling with the long-term effects of early adversity. The Childhood trauma has lasting repercussions on an individual’s psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It includes a wide spectrum of harmful experiences during one’s formative years, such as abuse, neglect, and exposure to conflict within the family (Ainsworth et al., 2015 ; Yumbul et al., 2010 ). Studies have consistently shown that such experiences undermine the development of secure emotional bonds, which are central to healthy functioning (Bowlby, 1969 ). As per Bowlby’s attachment theory, early caregiver-child relationships act as blueprints for future relational dynamics. Secure attachments promote emotional resilience and healthy relationships, while insecure attachments—anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—are frequently observed in those with traumatic backgrounds (Ainsworth, 1967 ; Erozkan, 2016 ).Individuals exposed to childhood trauma often exhibit insecure attachment patterns in adult relationships, including emotional avoidance, excessive dependence, or fear of closeness (Hocking et al., 2016 ; Wekerle & Wolfe, 1998 ). A growing body of research continues to affirm the influence of early adverse experiences on attachment formation in adulthood (Weaver & Sullins, 2022 ). For instance, findings by Yılmaz et al., ( 2022 ) and Tasca et al., ( 2013 ) revealed a negative association between trauma and secure attachment, alongside a positive correlation with insecure styles. Such results have significant implications for therapy and intervention strategies, especially in addressing attachment-related challenges among trauma survivors. Delving into the mechanisms that drive this connection is vital for therapeutic advancement. Evidence indicates that unresolved trauma impairs the ability to trust, increases fear of intimacy, and reinforces emotional distancing in relationships (SÖĞÜT & KÖSE, 2023 ). This review aims to systematically examine how distinct forms of childhood trauma—emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction—shape attachment behaviours in later life. By identifying recurring patterns and highlighting areas lacking sufficient exploration, the study advocates for deeper inquiry into how specific trauma types of influence attachment outcomes. The review ultimately contributes to the formulation of targeted, trauma-informed therapeutic frameworks designed to foster healthier relationships and emotional well-being in individuals with a history of early adversity. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the nuanced connection between childhood trauma and adult attachment styles, with an emphasis on how early trauma disrupts the capacity to build and sustain healthy adult relationships. Attachment theory maintains that the bonds formed with caregivers in early life influence one’s emotional self-regulation, sense of self-worth, and relational behaviour across the lifespan. For individuals exposed to neglect, abuse, or familial dysfunction, these early connections are often impaired, leading to maladaptive attachment styles. The study explores how various traumatic experiences during childhood—such as abuse and household conflict—shape adult attachment behaviours. It seeks to answer critical questions about how trauma predisposes individuals to anxious, avoidant, or disorganized attachment patterns and how these manifest in adult relational dynamics. The Understanding this relationship has significant implications. Firstly, it helps explain persistent emotional difficulties and relationship challenges in trauma survivors. Secondly, it guides therapeutic strategies by offering insights into treating attachment-related trauma. Finally, the study identifies gaps in current research—especially regarding how specific types of traumas differentially affect adult attachment—and proposes new avenues for future investigation. Childhood trauma is a significant predictor of numerous psychological challenges in adulthood, yet its specific impact on adult attachment styles warrants deeper investigation. According to Bowlby, ( 1969 ) attachment theory, early interactions with caregivers form the basis of internal working models that guide emotional regulation, relationship patterns, and self-perception throughout life. When these early relationships are marked by trauma—such as abuse, neglect, or household instability—individuals are more likely to develop insecure attachment styles, including anxious, avoidant, or disorganized patterns (Erozkan, 2016 ; Hocking et al., 2016 ). Exploring the long-term effects of childhood trauma on adult attachment is critical for understanding the persistence of relational difficulties and emotional dysregulation commonly observed among trauma survivors. While previous research has established a correlation between childhood maltreatment and adult attachment issues (Yılmaz et al., 2022 ; Yumbul et al., 2010 ), there remains a need to further investigate how specific types of traumas differentially affect attachment patterns. Moreover, gender-based variations in attachment responses to trauma are underexplored, despite their relevance for clinical assessment and intervention. The rationale for this study is grounded in the need to expand existing knowledge on trauma specific pathways to adult attachment outcomes, thereby informing the development of targeted, trauma-informed therapeutic approaches. By identifying patterns in how childhood trauma shapes attachment in adulthood, this study aims to contribute to improved psychological interventions that support emotional healing and the formation of secure, healthy relationships. This review adopts a qualitative, interpretivist research paradigm aimed at understanding the relational and emotional consequences of childhood trauma by synthesizing existing scholarship. Relying on secondary data, the study analyses insights from 40 peer-reviewed journals, articles, academic books, and empirical studies examining the effects of childhood adversity—including abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction—on adult attachment. Grounded in Bowlby’s Attachment Theory (1988), the study investigates how such adversities influence the development of insecure attachment styles: anxious, avoidant, and disorganized. Key constructs include emotional regulation, insecure bonding, and relational distress. The review critically evaluates research findings to establish the relationship between early trauma and attachment in adulthood and assesses the broader implications for mental health treatment. The aim is to close existing knowledge gaps and advocate for more nuanced, trauma sensitive therapeutic approaches while encouraging further research on how different types of trauma uniquely affect attachment and emotional development. Objectives of the Study : To examine the relationship between childhood trauma on adult attachment styles. To examine how attachment patterns evolve across different age groups in relation to early adverse experiences. Hypotheses : Based on the review of the literature, the hypotheses for this study are as follows: H1 . There will be significant relationship between childhood trauma and the development of insecure adult attachment styles. H2 . There will be significant relationship between childhood trauma and adult attachment styles, with both genders exhibiting patterns of insecure attachment. H0. There will be no significant relationship between childhood trauma, development of insecure adult attachment styles and genders exhibiting patterns of insecure attachment. Research Questions : The aim of this study is to explore the association between childhood trauma and adult attachment styles through a review of existing scholarly literature. The study investigates how different forms of early-life adversity—such as abuse, neglect, and exposure to family dysfunction—are linked to the development of insecure attachment patterns in adulthood. In addition, it examines how this attachment styles influence emotional regulation and relational behaviour. The study also aims to assess whether specific types of traumas are more strongly related to anxious, avoidant, or disorganized attachment styles. Furthermore, it seeks to provide insight into how these findings can support the development of trauma-informed therapeutic practices and identify gaps in current research that warrant further exploration. Methodology The present study adopted an exploratory qualitative research design, employing random sampling and utilizing the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire as a primary data collection tool. This design was chosen to explore the nuanced and subjective relationship between childhood trauma and adult attachment styles through rich, detailed participant responses, while also ensuring variability in participant characteristics through random sampling techniques. A qualitative approach was deemed most appropriate, as the study seeks to delve into the lived experiences and personal narratives surrounding childhood adversities and their long-term impact on attachment behaviours. Unlike quantitative methods, which emphasize numerical data, the qualitative framework enables a more holistic understanding of the internalized meanings, perceptions, and emotional consequences that stem from early-life trauma. The Random sampling was employed to reduce selection bias and increase the representativeness of the sample across a broad age range (6 to 66 years). This sampling strategy enhanced the generalizability of findings by capturing diverse experiences from participants of different genders, backgrounds, and developmental stages. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire served as a key instrument in this study. While the ACEs tool provides structured insight into exposure to specific categories of childhood trauma (e.g., abuse, neglect, household dysfunction), participants were also invited to share qualitative reflections and personal narratives relating to how these experiences have influenced their adult relational patterns and emotional regulation. These insights helped illuminate the developmental trajectories from early adversity to adult attachment orientations. Overall, this design allowed for an in-depth exploration of how specific childhood adversities, as captured by the ACEs framework, shape adult attachment patterns. By combining a standardized assessment tool with open-ended, qualitative data, the research design facilitated a comprehensive investigation of trauma-informed attachment development while maintaining methodological rigor and ethical sensitivity. The study aimed to include a diverse sample of participants aged 6 to 66 years, recruited from educational institutions, community centers, clinical settings, and online platforms. A random sampling method was used to ensure variability in the sample and enhance the generalizability of findings. To account for developmental differences, the sample was stratified into three age-based cohorts: Children (6–12 years) – engaged with simplified interview protocols and caregiver assistance. Adolescents (13–18 years) – participated using age-appropriate versions of the ACEs tool. Adults (19–66 years) – completed the full questionnaire independently with qualitative narrative sharing. The target sample size was 200 + participants, with data collection continuing until data saturation was achieved—i.e., when recurring themes became evident across responses. The study employed random sampling to provide each eligible participant with an equal opportunity to be selected, thereby minimizing sampling bias. Stratified sampling ensured that each age category was adequately represented. Participants were recruited from various demographic backgrounds including different gender identities, socioeconomic statuses, and educational levels, to ensure inclusiveness and diversity in responses. Inclusion Criteria : Age range between 6 to 66 years. Willingness and ability to give informed consent (or assent with parental/guardian consent for minors). Sufficient cognitive and emotional ability to participate in interviews and questionnaires. Presence of attachment-related issues or difficulties. Exclusion Criteria : Individuals with intellectual disabilities. Orphans, due to ethical and methodological constraints. Pregnant women were excluded for reasons of vulnerability. Tool Used for Data Collection The primary instrument used for data collection in this study was the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire (Goddard, 2021 ), a reliable and extensively validated tool originally developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente (WHO, 2020). The version adopted in this research was based on the compilation by Michael G. Bricker (2012–2017) ( Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Attachment Survey , n.d.), which includes not only the original 10 ACE items but also an attachment style assessment adapted from the seminal work of Hazen and Shaver (1990). The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) component evaluates exposure to early adverse events across three major domains: abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), neglect (emotional and physical), and household dysfunction (such as domestic violence, parental separation, substance abuse, mental illness, or incarceration). Each item is scored dichotomously—“Yes” (1) or “No” (0)—with total scores ranging from 0 to 10, reflecting the cumulative burden of childhood trauma. The attachment style section presents participants with descriptions corresponding to three primary adult attachment styles—secure, anxious/preoccupied, and avoidant/dismissive—based on Hazen and Shaver’s (1990) theoretical framework. Participants are asked to identify which description best reflects their typical behavior in close relationships, providing qualitative insights into their relational tendencies. For children and adolescent participants, the ACE items were reformulated into age-appropriate, semi-structured interview formats to ensure developmental suitability and ethical sensitivity. Data collection was conducted through a combination of in-person interviews and secure online platforms, depending on participant accessibility and preference. Additionally, qualitative open-ended prompts were included alongside the quantitative items to allow participants to elaborate on their personal experiences and offer reflective insights into how early adversity may have influenced their emotional regulation, interpersonal dynamics, and attachment patterns in adulthood. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire demonstrates high construct validity and reliability, supported by numerous studies. Internal consistency has been reported as acceptable to excellent, particularly when assessing cumulative adversity scores. The tool has been shown to predict various psychological and behavioral outcomes in adulthood, such as anxiety, depression, and attachment difficulties, thus making it a suitable measure for this study’s objectives. Procedure Participants were approached through schools, community programs, mental health centers, and online networks. Once selected through random sampling, each participant (or their guardian) received a consent form detailing the study’s purpose, confidentiality, and the voluntary nature of participation. Children (6–12 years) participated with caregiver support using simplified interviews. Adolescents (13–18 years) were administered a modified ACE questionnaire and semi structured interviews. Adults (19–66 years) completed the standard ACE questionnaire and participated in narrative sharing. Data was collected over a period of two months. The Participants could withdraw at any time without consequence. Special care was taken when interviewing minors and individuals sharing sensitive experiences. Data Analysis Data was analysed using a combination of Microsoft Excel and SPSS software. Quantitative data from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scores were entered into Excel and SPSS to calculate frequency distributions, mean scores, and demographic correlations. Ethical Considerations Informed consent and assent were obtained in writing. Participation was voluntary, with the right to withdraw at any stage. Anonymity and confidentiality of all participant data were strictly maintained. Ethical protocols were followed especially when working with minors and vulnerable individuals. The study received ethical approval from the relevant institutional review board. Results Table 1 Demographic Details Variable Category Frequency Percent Gender Male 124 61.7% Female 77 38.3% Age Group 13–18 7 3.5% 19–25 160 79.6% 26–35 23 11.4% 36–45 7 3.5% 46–55 2 1.0% 56–65 2 1.0% Table 1 show the Frequencies and Percentages for Gender, Age, and Trauma Score (N = 201) Table 2 Gender Distribution Category Frequency Percent (%) Male 124 61.4% Female 77 38.1% Total 201 99.5% Missing 1 0.5% Table 2 shows gender distribution of 202 individuals, with 124 males (61.4%) and 77 females (38.1%). One respondent did not report their gender, accounting for 0.5% missing data. This suggests that the sample was male-dominant, which may slightly influence the generalizability of the results, especially if gender plays a role in how trauma or attachment is expressed or reported. Table 3 Age Group Distribution Age Group Frequency Percent (%) 13–18 7 3.5% 19–25 160 79.2% 26–35 23 11.4% 36–45 7 3.5% 46–55 2 1.0% 56–65 2 1.0% Total 201 99.5% Missing 1 0.5% Table 3 shows most of the participants were young adults aged 19–25 years (79.2%), which reflects a predominantly emerging adult population. Other age groups were relatively underrepresented, with only 3.5% each from adolescents (13–18) and adults aged 36–45. Very few participants were in older age brackets (46+), limiting the applicability of findings to middle-aged or older adults. Again, 1 participant (0.5%) did not disclose their age. Table 4 Trauma Score Distribution Adverse Childhood Experiences Scores (ACE ) ACE Score Frequency Percent (%) 0 96 47.5% 1 43 21.3% 2 20 9.9% 3 16 7.9% 4 11 5.4% 5 3 1.5% 6 8 4.0% 7 3 1.5% 9 1 0.5% Total 201 99.5% Missing 1 0.5% Table 4 shows that nearly half of the sample (47.5%) reported no adverse childhood experiences (ACE score = 0). A significant portion (21.3%) experienced one ACE, while smaller portions had multiple ACEs, suggesting a gradual decline in frequency as trauma severity increased. However, 16% of the sample had 4 or more ACEs (i.e., scores of 4 or higher), a level generally associated with a significantly increased risk for various negative mental health outcomes. Only 1 participant (0.5%) reported an ACE score of 9, indicating exposure to nearly all categories of adverse experiences. These results indicate that while a large segment of the sample was non-traumatized, a notable proportion experienced moderate to severe trauma, making them more susceptible to insecure attachment styles and emotional distress in adulthood. The data reflect a young, predominantly male sample, mostly aged 19–25 years. Nearly half the participants had no childhood trauma, but a significant minority had multiple ACEs. The diversity in trauma exposure levels allows for comparative analysis across attachment style outcomes and gives the study statistical variability. The 0.5% missing data across variables is negligible and unlikely to bias the results significantly. Table 5 Descriptive Statistics Variable M SD Gender (1 = Male, 2 = Female) 1.38 0.49 Emotional Abuse 0.19 0.40 Physical Abuse 0.18 0.38 Sexual Abuse 0.20 0.40 Emotional Neglect 0.19 0.40 Physical Neglect 0.10 0.31 Mother Treated Violently 0.13 0.34 Household Substance Abuse 0.14 0.35 Household Mental Illness 0.13 0.34 Parental Separation/Divorce 0.03 0.17 Incarcerated Household Member 0.00 0.00 Trauma Score (ACE total) 1.33 1.84 Secure Attachment 3.22 1.93 Anxious Attachment 3.84 2.29 Avoidant Attachment 3.30 2.21 Disorganized Attachment 4.00 2.27 Note. ACE items were coded as binary (0 = No, 1 = Yes). Higher scores on attachment variables indicate greater endorsement of that attachment style. Table 5 shows the mean value for gender (M = 1.38, SD = 0.49) reflects a greater proportion of male participants in the sample, where 1 denotes male and 2 denotes female. With regard to childhood trauma exposure, the mean trauma score (ACE total) was 1.33 (SD = 1.84), suggesting that participants, on average, experienced at least one type of adversity before the age of 18.The most commonly reported ACEs were sexual abuse (M = 0.20, SD = 0.40), emotional abuse (M = 0.19, SD = 0.40), and emotional neglect (M = 0.19, SD = 0.40), each occurring in roughly 19–20% of the sample. Physical abuse (M = 0.18), household substance abuse (M = 0.14), and having a mentally ill household member (M = 0.13) were also reported by a notable portion of the sample. In contrast, parental separation/divorce (M = 0.03) and incarceration of a household member (M = 0.00) were among the least frequently reported ACEs.In terms of attachment styles, disorganized attachment had the highest mean score (M = 4.00, SD = 2.27), followed by anxious attachment (M = 3.84, SD = 2.29), avoidant attachment (M = 3.30, SD = 2.21), and secure attachment (M = 3.22, SD = 1.93). These results suggest that disorganized and anxious attachment patterns were more prevalent than secure attachment within this sample, possibly reflecting the psychological impact of early trauma experiences. Table 6 Correlational Analysis Var 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 1. Age — .14* −.06 −.10 −.10 −.01 .11 −.01 .20** .08 .01 −.16* .00 −.08 2. Gender — −.05 .14* −.20** .05 .20** .00 .19** .03 .10 −.11 .08 −.05 3. EA — .53** .16* .40** .16* .30** .24** .34** .14 .15* .12 .07 4. PA — .15* .39** .27** .32** .26** .13 .15* .09 .13 −.07 5. SA — .19** .11 .10 .12 .25** −.02 .00 .09 .00 6. EN — .33** .19** .28** .19** .06 .16* .24** −.03 7. PN — .21** .33** .26** .13 .09 .05 −.02 8. MTV — .36** .16* .37** .14* .25** .04 9. HSA — .32** .18** .14* .25** .02 10. HMI — .11 −.01 .05 −.10 11. PSD — .20** .14* .04 13. AA — .32** .25** 14. AVA — −.03 15. DA — Note: EA = Emotional Abuse, PA = Physical Abuse, SA = Sexual Abuse, EN = Emotional Neglect, PN = Physical Neglect, MTV = Mother Treated Violently, HSA = Household Substance Abuse, HMI = Household Mental Illness, PSD = Parental Separation/Divorce, AA = Anxious Attachment, AVA = Avoidant Attachment, DA = Disorganized Attachment.p < .05. ** p < .01. Table 6 show Spearman’s rank-order correlation was conducted to examine the relationships between childhood trauma variables and adult attachment styles. The results indicate several significant associations: Age was positively correlated with household substance abuse \rho = .20, p < .01 and negatively with anxious attachment \rho = -0.16, p < .05. Gender was negatively associated with sexual abuse \rho = -0.20, p < .01, suggesting higher reports among one gender, and positively with physical abuse and household substance abuse. Strong inter-correlations were found among trauma variables. For example, emotional abuse was highly correlated with physical abuse \rho = .53, p < .01 and emotional neglect \rho = .40, p < .01. Exposure to violence toward the mother (MTV) was significantly related to nearly all trauma types and attachment variables, showing its central role in trauma experiences. Several trauma variables, including emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and household substance abuse, were positively correlated with anxious and disorganized attachment styles: Emotional neglect and anxious attachment: \rho = .16, p < .05.Mother treated violently and disorganized attachment: \rho = .25, p < .01.Avoidant attachment showed weaker correlations, with fewer significant links to trauma types, indicating a potentially different developmental trajectory. These findings support the hypothesis that cumulative exposure to adverse childhood experiences is significantly associated with insecure and disorganized attachment patterns in adulthood. The correlations between childhood trauma and attachment styles exhibited a generally similar trend across genders, with avoidant attachment showing the strongest positive correlation for both males and females. Females displayed slightly higher correlations across all three insecure styles: Avoidant attachment: r = .26 (female), r = .22 (male) Anxious attachment: r = .19 (female), r = .16 (male) Disorganized attachment: r = − .02 (female), r = − .03 (male) Despite minor variation, the parallel slopes suggest that the pathway from trauma to insecure attachment remains relatively consistent across gender lines. Therefore, Hypothesis 2 was only partially supported. While gender differences in trauma exposure were observed, attachment style outcomes did not significantly vary by gender. There will be no significant relationship between childhood trauma, the development of insecure adult attachment styles, and gender differences. Discussion This study investigated the relationship between childhood trauma and the development of insecure adult attachment styles. Using a sample of 201 participants and employing Spearman’s correlation analysis, the findings provide strong evidence that various forms of childhood trauma—emotional, physical, and environmental—are significantly associated with insecure attachment patterns in adulthood. These findings offer empirical support for the theoretical assumption that early adverse experiences shape adult relational behaviors and psychological functioning. Consistent with Hypothesis 1 (H1), childhood trauma showed significant correlations with insecure attachment styles, particularly anxious, avoidant, and disorganized types. Hypothesis 2 (H2), which anticipated gender-based differences in trauma and attachment, received partial support. While gender was related to specific trauma exposures (e.g., sexual abuse), it was not significantly related to attachment styles. Given that multiple significant associations were found between various childhood traumas and adult attachment styles, and gender differences were observed in trauma exposure (though not in attachment styles), the null hypothesis is rejected in part. Childhood trauma does significantly relate to adult attachment styles, although gender does not significantly moderate that relationship. H1 was supported: Significant positive correlations exist between various forms of childhood trauma and insecure attachment styles. H2 was partially supported: Gender influenced trauma exposure but not the attachment style outcome. H0 was partially rejected: The assumption of no association was invalidated for trauma and attachment but held for gender moderating attachment. These results provide empirical support for the theoretical link between early adversity and adult relational patterns, highlighting the developmental impact of trauma on emotional attachment schemas. Childhood Trauma and Anxious Attachment A significant positive correlation was found between emotional neglect (r = .16, p < .05) and emotional abuse (r = .15, p < .05) with anxious attachment. These findings support the view that emotional deprivation and invalidation during childhood foster hypervigilance in relationships. Anxiously attached individuals tend to display fear of abandonment, excessive need for approval, and hypersensitivity to interpersonal cues (Mikulincer et al., 2002 ). The results suggest that early emotional trauma disrupts the development of a secure internal working model, leading to clingy and dependent relational patterns. Childhood Trauma and Avoidant Attachment Avoidant attachment was significantly correlated with emotional neglect (r = .24, p < .01) and household substance abuse (r = .24, p < .01). These results imply that children raised in emotionally distant or chaotic environments often develop a coping strategy that emphasizes independence and emotional suppression (Bartholomew & Horowitz, 1991 ). Such individuals may perceive intimacy as threatening or burdensome. These findings reinforce the developmental pathway from neglectful caregiving to dismissive relational styles in adulthood. Childhood Trauma and Disorganized Attachment Household substance abuse (r = .25, p < .01) also exhibited a strong positive correlation with disorganized attachment. Disorganized attachment typically emerges from inconsistent or frightening caregiving experiences (Lyons-Ruth &Jacobvitz, 2008). In this study, substance abuse within the household likely contributed to unpredictability and fear, fostering disoriented and contradictory attachment behaviors. Adults with disorganized styles often exhibit intense relational ambivalence—both seeking and fearing closeness. Gender and Attachment Although gender was found to be significantly correlated with specific trauma-related variables—most notably sexual abuse (r = − .20, p < .01), where females reported higher rates—there were no statistically significant correlations between gender and any of the three measured attachment styles. Correlation values between gender and attachment styles were low: anxious (r = .08), avoidant (r = − .05), and disorganized (r = .04). These results suggest that despite differences in the type or frequency of trauma experienced by males and females, the psychological mechanisms linking childhood trauma to attachment insecurity tend to follow similar patterns across genders. The data therefore provide only partial support for Hypothesis 2, which proposed gender-based differences in attachment outcomes related to trauma. Overall, the findings imply that the effects of childhood trauma on attachment development are more universally experienced, with gender exerting minimal influence on the formation of insecure attachment styles. Trend of Correlations Between Childhood Trauma and Attachment Styles by Gender. The graph presents a comparative trend analysis of the correlation between childhood trauma and three distinct attachment styles—Anxious, Avoidant, and Disorganized—differentiated by gender (male and female). The y-axis represents the correlation coefficient (r), which quantifies the strength and direction of the relationship between childhood trauma and attachment style. The x-axis shows the three attachment styles. A positive value indicates a direct relationship, whereas a negative value implies an inverse relationship. Anxious Attachment: For both males (red line) and females (blue line), there is a positive correlation between childhood trauma and anxious attachment style, with values around r = .15 for males and r = .18 for females. This indicates that individuals who experienced childhood trauma are slightly more likely to develop anxious attachment traits, and this tendency is marginally stronger in females. Avoidant Attachment: The correlation increases further for avoidant attachment in both groups, with females showing a peak correlation of approximately r = .26 and males at r = .22. This suggests that childhood trauma is more strongly associated with avoidant attachment patterns than with anxious ones, particularly among females. Disorganized Attachment: Both lines sharply decline when it comes to disorganized attachment, dipping below the zero line, suggesting a very weak or slightly negative relationship between trauma and disorganized attachment for both genders (r ≈ -0.03 to -0.04). This is counterintuitive and may reflect complexities in how disorganized attachment is expressed or measured. Gender Differences : Although females show slightly higher correlation values for both anxious and avoidant styles, the differences are not statistically significant, as indicated by low correlation coefficients between gender and each attachment style (anxious: r = .08, avoidant: r = − .05, disorganized: r = .04). The statistically significant gender difference was observed only in relation to specific trauma experiences, such as sexual abuse (r = − .20, p < .01), where females reported higher exposure. The parallel structure of the lines in the graph suggests that the pattern of attachment development following childhood trauma is broadly similar across genders. Despite differing trauma experiences, the psychological impact on attachment style development appears consistent, pointing to universal mechanisms through which trauma influences relational patterns. The hypothesis that gender moderates the relationship between trauma and attachment was only partially supported. While trauma types differ across genders, attachment outcomes remain largely uniform. This analysis highlights that childhood trauma is positively associated with anxious and avoidant attachment styles for both males and females, with avoidant attachment being most strongly linked. However, disorganized attachment does not show a clear positive correlation, indicating the need for further investigation. Gender, while relevant to specific trauma types, does not significantly influence the broader pattern of attachment outcomes. These results align with Bowlby’s ( 1969 ) attachment theory and its extensions, emphasizing that early caregiving shapes emotional regulation and relational expectations. The differential associations between specific trauma types and attachment styles confirm earlier findings(Erozkan, 2016 ; Yumbul et al., 2010 ) and support the theory that insecure attachment mediates the long-term psychological outcomes of childhood trauma (Hocking et al., 2016 ; Rose et al., 2020 ). Notably, the findings mirror literature suggesting that emotional trauma (neglect and abuse) may be more predictive of anxious and avoidant styles, whereas chaotic family environments (e.g., substance abuse) often relate to disorganized patterns. The study has several practical and clinical implications: Trauma-Informed Therapy: Understanding the type of childhood trauma can help therapists anticipate clients’ relational tendencies and tailor interventions (e.g., attachment-based therapies). Prevention Programs: Early detection and intervention in emotionally neglectful or abusive households may reduce the risk of developing maladaptive adult attachment patterns. Policy and Education: Educators, caregivers, and policymakers should be sensitized to the long-term relational impact of trauma, especially in contexts where emotional neglect or family dysfunction is prevalent. This study underscores the profound and enduring impact of childhood trauma on adult attachment patterns. Specifically, emotional neglect, emotional abuse, and household substance abuse were significantly linked to anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment styles, respectively. Although gender did influence exposure to certain traumas, it did not significantly affect attachment outcomes. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that advocates for trauma-informed approaches in therapy, education, and social policy. Recognizing and addressing the relational consequences of early adversity is essential for promoting long-term emotional well-being and healthier interpersonal functioning. Consistent with Hypothesis 1 (H1) — There will be a significant relationship between childhood trauma and the development of insecure adult attachment styles — the correlational analysis revealed that various forms of childhood trauma were significantly associated with insecure attachment patterns in adulthood. Emotional neglect, in particular, was positively correlated with both anxious attachment (ρ = .16, p < .05) and avoidant attachment (ρ = .24, p < .01). Emotional abuse was significantly associated with anxious attachment (ρ = .15, p < .05), while household substance abuse showed a strong relationship with avoidant (ρ = .24, p < .01) and disorganized attachment (ρ = .25, p < .01). These findings suggest that children who experience emotional invalidation or neglect may grow up with inconsistent internal working models of self and others, leading them to either hyperactivate (anxious) or deactivate (avoidant) their attachment systems in adulthood. Similarly, environmental instability due to substance abuse in the household can disrupt the development of secure attachments, fostering a sense of unpredictability and danger, which may manifest as disorganized attachment patterns. Gender and Attachment Patterns In line with Hypothesis 2 (H2) — There will be a significant relationship between childhood trauma and adult attachment styles, with both genders exhibiting patterns of insecure attachment — the findings demonstrated gender differences in the associations between trauma and attachment. Gender was positively correlated with physical abuse (ρ = .14, p < .05) and negatively correlated with sexual abuse (ρ = −.20, p < .01), indicating that males and females may experience different types of trauma and, potentially, respond with distinct attachment strategies. Gender was also positively associated with physical neglect (ρ = .20**, p < .01), further emphasizing gendered vulnerabilities in early caregiving environments. Although gender did not significantly correlate with adult attachment styles in this study, the interaction effects may still play a nuanced role in the expression of attachment behaviors. For instance, cultural and socialization differences could influence how men and women respond to trauma and form attachments, even if not directly measured in correlation coefficients. The null hypothesis (H0) — There will be no significant relationship between childhood trauma, development of insecure adult attachment styles, and genders exhibiting patterns of insecure attachment — was rejected based on the findings. Multiple statistically significant correlations were observed between types of trauma and insecure attachment styles, affirming the relevance of early adversity in shaping relational outcomes in adulthood. These results support attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969 , 1988 ), which posits that early relationships with caregivers lay the foundation for future relational patterns. Children exposed to emotional and physical neglect may develop internal working models characterized by fear of abandonment or rejection, contributing to anxious attachment. Conversely, those raised in households with violence or substance abuse may adopt avoidant or disorganized strategies as a defense against inconsistent or harmful caregiving. Additionally, the findings align with the developmental psychopathology framework, which emphasizes how risk factors like trauma disrupt normative developmental processes, leading to maladaptive outcomes, including insecure attachment, emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal difficulties. Conclusion The present study sheds significant light on the enduring psychological consequences of childhood trauma and its influence on adult attachment patterns. Grounded in attachment theory and trauma literature, the research findings provide compelling evidence that early adverse experiences—particularly emotional neglect, emotional abuse, and exposure to household substance abuse—are significantly associated with the development of insecure attachment styles in adulthood. The data reveal that individuals who endured emotional neglect and abuse during their formative years are more likely to develop anxious and avoidant attachment styles, while those exposed to household substance abuse are especially prone to disorganized attachment. These patterns underscore the critical role of a secure and emotionally supportive early environment in shaping the internal working models that govern interpersonal relationships throughout life. Furthermore, while gender differences were noted in the prevalence of certain trauma types (such as sexual abuse being more frequently reported by females), the overall relationship between childhood trauma and adult attachment was consistent across genders. This suggests that the mechanisms through which trauma affects attachment security operate similarly for both males and females. The universal nature of these patterns indicates that insecure attachment may be a common psychological consequence of childhood trauma, regardless of gender identity. Therefore, the hypothesis that both genders would exhibit insecure attachment styles in relation to childhood trauma was only partially supported, as the direct link between gender and attachment style was not statistically significant. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how emotional wounds from childhood become embedded in one’s relational functioning and emotional regulation in adulthood. Insecure attachment styles are known to be risk factors for various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties in forming stable, healthy relationships. Recognizing the foundational impact of childhood trauma on these adult outcomes is essential not only for psychological theory but also for clinical practice. It reaffirms the necessity of trauma-informed care models that prioritize early detection, emotional safety, and relational repair. Moreover, the study’s implications extend beyond clinical settings into education, social policy, and community-based interventions. Programs that educate caregivers, teachers, and social workers about the signs and consequences of emotional neglect and abuse could mitigate long-term psychological harm. Preventive efforts aimed at fostering emotionally nurturing environments may serve as protective factors against the intergenerational transmission of trauma and attachment insecurity. Ultimately, the findings of this research emphasize that childhood experiences do not merely fade with time—they shape the lens through which individuals view themselves and others. A lack of emotional attachment, neglect, or chaos during formative years can lead to internalized patterns of fear, avoidance, or mistrust that persist well into adulthood. Therefore, this study advocates for a deeper integration of trauma and attachment frameworks across psychological disciplines to foster healing, promote secure relationships, and empower individuals to break free from the legacies of their early experiences. Declarations Funding: The authors declare that no grants, funds, or other forms of financial support were received for the research and authorship of this paper. Data Availability: Data for the study is not openly available because informed consent for making data available was not secured. However, anonymized data will be making available open reasonable request to the authors. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper. Ethical Approval Statement: The study was approved by the Amity Institute of Behavioural & Allied Sciences (AIBAS), Amity University Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior. Informed Consent: All participants involved in this study provided informed consent prior to their participation. The participants were fully informed about the purpose, procedures, and potential risks of the study. The confidentiality and anonymity of the participants were maintained throughout the research process, and they were assured that their participation was voluntary and that they could withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences. References Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Attachment Survey . (n.d.). Ainsworth, M. D. S. (1967). Infancy in Uganda: infant care and the growth of love. Johns Hopkins Press. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1967-35025-000 Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. N. (2015). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. In Patterns of Attachment: A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation . Taylor and Francis Inc. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203758045/PATTERNS-ATTACHMENT-MARY-SALTER-AINSWORTH-EVERETT-WATERS-MARY-BLEHAR-SALLY-WALL/RIGHTS-AND-PERMISSIONS Bartholomew, K., & Horowitz, L. M. (1991). Attachment Styles Among Young Adults: A Test of a Four-Category Model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 61 (2), 226–244. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.61.2.226 Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss. Random House. https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Attachment%20and%20loss:%20Vol%201.%20Attachment&author=J%20Bowlby&publication_year=1969/1982& Bowlby, J. (1982). ATTACHMENT AND LOSS: Retrospect and Prospect. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry , 52 (4), 664–678. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1939-0025.1982.TB01456.X Bowlby, J. (1988). A SECURE BASE Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development A Member of the Perseus Books Group . Basic Books. Erozkan, A. (2016). The Link between Types of Attachment and Childhood Trauma. Universal Journal of Educational Research , 4 (5), 1071–1079. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2016.040517 Goddard, A. (2021). Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma-Informed Care. Journal of Pediatric Health Care , 35 (2), 145–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2020.09.001 Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. R. (1990). Love and Work: An Attachment-Theoretical Perspective. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 59 (2), 270–280. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.59.2.270 Hocking, E. C., Simons, R. M., & Surette, R. J. (2016). Attachment style as a mediator between childhood maltreatment and the experience of betrayal trauma as an adult. Child Abuse & Neglect , 52 , 94–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHIABU.2016.01.001 Mikulincer, M., Gillath, O., & Shaver, P. R. (2002). Activation of the attachment system in adulthood: Threat-related primes increase the accessibility of mental representations of attachment figures. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 83 (4), 881–895. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-3514.83.4.881 Rose, A., Trounson, J. S., Louise, S., Shepherd, S., & Ogloff, J. R. P. (2020). Mental Health, Psychological Distress, and Coping in Australian Cross-Cultural Prison Populations. Journal of Traumatic Stress , 33 (5), 794–803. https://doi.org/10.1002/JTS.22515;SUBPAGE:STRING:ABSTRACT; WEBSITE:WEBSITE:PERICLES;JOURNAL:JOURNAL:15736598;REQUESTEDJOURNAL: JOURNAL:15736598;WGROUP:STRING:PUBLICATION SÖĞÜT, M., & KÖSE, A. (2023). The Exploration of Maternal Self-Efficacy: The Role of Childhood Traumas, Adult Attachment and Cognitive Flexibility. Ahmet Keleşoğlu Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi . https://doi.org/10.38151/AKEF.2023.119 Tasca, G. A., Ritchie, K., Zachariades, F., Proulx, G., Trinneer, A., Balfour, L., Demidenko, N., Hayden, G., Wong, A., & Bissada, H. (2013). Attachment insecurity mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and eating disorder psychopathology in a clinical sample: A structural equation model. Child Abuse and Neglect , 37 (11), 926–933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2013.03.004 Weaver, M. G., & Sullins, J. (2022). The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experience, Guilt Proneness, and Shame-Proneness: An Exploratory Investigation. Modern Psychological Studies , 27 (1), 10. https://scholar.utc.edu/mps/vol27/iss1/10 Wekerle, C., & Wolfe, A. D. A. (1998). The role of child maltreatment and attachment style in adolescent relationship violence. Development and Psychopathology , 10 (3), 571–586. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579498001758, WHO. (2020, January 28). Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) . WHO. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/adverse-childhood-experiences-international-questionnaire-(ace-iq) Yılmaz, H., Arslan, C., Arslan, E., Yılmaz, H., Arslan, C., & Arslan, E. (2022). El efecto de las experiencias traumáticas en los estilos de apego. Anales de Psicología , 38 (3), 489–498. https://doi.org/10.6018/ANALESPS.489601 Yumbul, C., Cavusoglu, S., & Geyimcia, B. (2010). The effect of childhood trauma on adult attachment styles, infidelity tendency, romantic jealousy and self-esteem. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences , 5 , 1741–1745. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SBSPRO.2010.07.357 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":133486,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ethe impact of childhood trauma on anxious, avoidant and disorganized attachment styles.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7261046/v1/819343c9b00d693c2fec64f9.png"},{"id":91828202,"identity":"961d190d-1c7a-43bf-8105-2ce6da7cab85","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-09-22 08:53:05","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":56013,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTrend of Correlations Between Childhood Trauma and Attachment Styles by Gender.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7261046/v1/58cd1b9f92754c5faf3e1638.png"},{"id":93684545,"identity":"2152a769-8d6e-4ad9-974a-d78a950759a3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-16 12:55:07","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1086701,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7261046/v1/91fca52f-2a84-4caa-9b16-dc0a5ed8ddb1.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eThe Relational Consequences of Childhood Trauma: Attachment Patterns in Adults’ Life\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eChildhood trauma plays a significant role in shaping in their adult relationships (Hocking et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e)(Erozkan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). The Empirical research supports this theory. Individuals who faced trauma in childhood frequently display patterns of emotional detachment, fear of intimacy, or dependency long-term consequences extending into adult life (Yumbul et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). Numerous studies suggest that these adverse experiences interfere with the development of secure attachment bonds, which are essential for emotional stability and healthy interpersonal functioning (Bowlby, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1982\u003c/span\u003e). The Attachment theory, pioneered by John Bowlby, emphasizes that the nature of early relationships with caregivers creates a foundation for future relational patterns. When caregivers provide consistent support and emotional attachment, children are more likely to develop secure attachments. In contrast, those exposed to trauma are at risk of forming insecure attachment styles—namely anxious, avoidant, or disorganized—which hinder the ability to form trusting, stable relationships later in life (Erozkan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). The Empirical research supports this theory. Individuals who faced trauma in childhood frequently display patterns of emotional detachment, fear of intimacy, or dependency in their adult relationships (Hocking et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). The relationship between childhood trauma and adult attachment continues to be a vital area of psychological inquiry, as it helps clarify how early adversity can lead to maladaptive relational outcomes (Weaver \u0026amp; Sullins, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). For example, Yılmaz et al., (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) demonstrated that traumatic childhood experiences can decrease the likelihood of forming secure attachments while increasing tendencies toward insecure styles. These findings are particularly important for mental health practitioners, as they offer a basis for trauma-informed care that addresses relational wounds and promotes healthier connection patterns. The Understanding the link between unresolved childhood trauma and adult attachment styles is crucial for developing effective psychological interventions. Research shows that such trauma may lead to patterns of mistrust, emotional withdrawal, and relational instability in adulthood (SÖĞÜT \u0026amp; KÖSE, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). This review aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between early trauma—including neglect, abuse, and family dysfunction—and adult attachment behaviours. By the synthesizing findings from existing literature, this study seeks to uncover key insights and research gaps regarding the influence of trauma on adult attachment. It also proposes directions for future research that could inform more effective, individualized therapeutic interventions. Ultimately, gaining a deeper understanding of this connection can help clinicians develop more tailored approaches for those struggling with the long-term effects of early adversity. The Childhood trauma has lasting repercussions on an individual’s psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It includes a wide spectrum of harmful experiences during one’s formative years, such as abuse, neglect, and exposure to conflict within the family (Ainsworth et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Yumbul et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). Studies have consistently shown that such experiences undermine the development of secure emotional bonds, which are central to healthy functioning (Bowlby, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1969\u003c/span\u003e). As per Bowlby’s attachment theory, early caregiver-child relationships act as blueprints for future relational dynamics. Secure attachments promote emotional resilience and healthy relationships, while insecure attachments—anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—are frequently observed in those with traumatic backgrounds (Ainsworth, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1967\u003c/span\u003e; Erozkan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e).Individuals exposed to childhood trauma often exhibit insecure attachment patterns in adult relationships, including emotional avoidance, excessive dependence, or fear of closeness (Hocking et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Wekerle \u0026amp; Wolfe, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1998\u003c/span\u003e). A growing body of research continues to affirm the influence of early adverse experiences on attachment formation in adulthood (Weaver \u0026amp; Sullins, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). For instance, findings by Yılmaz et al., (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e) and Tasca et al., (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e) revealed a negative association between trauma and secure attachment, alongside a positive correlation with insecure styles. Such results have significant implications for therapy and intervention strategies, especially in addressing\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eattachment-related challenges among trauma survivors. Delving into the mechanisms that drive this connection is vital for therapeutic advancement. Evidence indicates that unresolved trauma impairs the ability to trust, increases fear of intimacy, and reinforces emotional distancing in relationships (SÖĞÜT \u0026amp; KÖSE, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). This review aims to systematically examine how distinct forms of childhood trauma—emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction—shape attachment behaviours in later life. By identifying recurring patterns and highlighting areas lacking sufficient exploration, the study advocates for deeper inquiry into how specific trauma types of influence attachment outcomes. The review ultimately contributes to the formulation of targeted, trauma-informed therapeutic frameworks designed to foster healthier relationships and emotional well-being in individuals with a history of early adversity.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe primary objective of this research is to investigate the nuanced connection between childhood trauma and adult attachment styles, with an emphasis on how early trauma disrupts the capacity to build and sustain healthy adult relationships. Attachment theory maintains that the bonds formed with caregivers in early life influence one’s emotional self-regulation, sense of self-worth, and relational behaviour across the lifespan. For individuals exposed to neglect, abuse, or familial dysfunction, these early connections are often impaired, leading to maladaptive attachment styles. The study explores how various traumatic experiences during childhood—such as abuse and household conflict—shape adult attachment behaviours. It seeks to answer critical questions about how trauma predisposes individuals to anxious, avoidant, or disorganized attachment patterns and how these manifest in adult relational dynamics. The Understanding this relationship has significant implications. Firstly, it helps explain persistent emotional difficulties and relationship challenges in trauma survivors. Secondly, it guides therapeutic strategies by offering insights into treating attachment-related trauma. Finally, the study identifies gaps in current research—especially regarding how specific types of traumas differentially affect adult attachment—and proposes new avenues for future investigation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChildhood trauma is a significant predictor of numerous psychological challenges in adulthood, yet its specific impact on adult attachment styles warrants deeper investigation. According to Bowlby, (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1969\u003c/span\u003e) attachment theory, early interactions with caregivers form the basis of internal working models that guide emotional regulation, relationship patterns, and self-perception throughout life. When these early relationships are marked by trauma—such as abuse, neglect, or household instability—individuals are more likely to develop insecure attachment styles, including anxious, avoidant, or disorganized patterns (Erozkan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Hocking et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eExploring the long-term effects of childhood trauma on adult attachment is critical for understanding the persistence of relational difficulties and emotional dysregulation commonly observed among trauma survivors. While previous research has established a correlation between childhood maltreatment and adult attachment issues (Yılmaz et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Yumbul et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e), there remains a need to further investigate how specific types of traumas differentially affect attachment patterns. Moreover, gender-based variations in attachment responses to trauma are underexplored, despite their relevance for clinical assessment and intervention.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe rationale for this study is grounded in the need to expand existing knowledge on trauma specific pathways to adult attachment outcomes, thereby informing the development of\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003etargeted, trauma-informed therapeutic approaches. By identifying patterns in how childhood trauma shapes attachment in adulthood, this study aims to contribute to improved psychological interventions that support emotional healing and the formation of secure, healthy relationships.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis review adopts a qualitative, interpretivist research paradigm aimed at understanding the relational and emotional consequences of childhood trauma by synthesizing existing scholarship. Relying on secondary data, the study analyses insights from 40 peer-reviewed journals, articles, academic books, and empirical studies examining the effects of childhood adversity—including abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction—on adult attachment.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrounded in Bowlby’s Attachment Theory (1988), the study investigates how such adversities influence the development of insecure attachment styles: anxious, avoidant, and disorganized. Key constructs include emotional regulation, insecure bonding, and relational distress. The review critically evaluates research findings to establish the relationship between early trauma and attachment in adulthood and assesses the broader implications for mental health treatment.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe aim is to close existing knowledge gaps and advocate for more nuanced, trauma sensitive therapeutic approaches while encouraging further research on how different types of trauma uniquely affect attachment and emotional development.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eObjectives of the Study\u003c/b\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo examine the relationship between childhood trauma on adult attachment styles.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo examine how attachment patterns evolve across different age groups in relation to early adverse experiences.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHypotheses\u003c/b\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBased on the review of the literature, the hypotheses for this study are as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eH1\u003c/b\u003e. There will be significant relationship between childhood trauma and the development of insecure adult attachment styles.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eH2\u003c/b\u003e. There will be significant relationship between childhood trauma and adult attachment styles, with both genders exhibiting patterns of insecure attachment.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eH0.\u003c/b\u003e There will be no significant relationship between childhood trauma, development of insecure adult attachment styles and genders exhibiting patterns of insecure attachment.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eResearch Questions\u003c/b\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe aim of this study is to explore the association between childhood trauma and adult attachment styles through a review of existing scholarly literature. The study investigates how different forms of early-life adversity—such as abuse, neglect, and exposure to family dysfunction—are linked to the development of insecure attachment patterns in adulthood. In addition, it examines how this attachment styles influence emotional regulation and relational behaviour. The study also aims to assess whether specific types of traumas are more strongly related to anxious, avoidant, or disorganized attachment styles. Furthermore, it seeks to provide insight into how these findings can support the development of trauma-informed therapeutic practices and identify gaps in current research that warrant further exploration.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Methodology","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study adopted an exploratory qualitative research design, employing random sampling and utilizing the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire as a primary data collection tool. This design was chosen to explore the nuanced and subjective relationship between childhood trauma and adult attachment styles through rich, detailed participant responses, while also ensuring variability in participant characteristics through random sampling techniques. A qualitative approach was deemed most appropriate, as the study seeks to delve into the lived experiences and personal narratives surrounding childhood adversities and their long-term impact on attachment behaviours. Unlike quantitative methods, which emphasize numerical data, the qualitative framework enables a more holistic understanding of the internalized meanings, perceptions, and emotional consequences that stem from early-life trauma. The Random sampling was employed to reduce selection bias and increase the representativeness of the sample across a broad age range (6 to 66 years). This sampling strategy enhanced the generalizability of findings by capturing diverse experiences from participants of different genders, backgrounds, and developmental stages. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire served as a key instrument in this study. While the ACEs tool provides structured insight into exposure to specific categories of childhood trauma (e.g., abuse, neglect, household dysfunction), participants were also invited to share qualitative reflections and personal narratives relating to how these experiences have influenced their adult relational patterns and emotional regulation. These insights helped illuminate the developmental trajectories from early adversity to adult attachment orientations. Overall, this design allowed for an in-depth exploration of how specific childhood adversities, as captured by the ACEs framework, shape adult attachment patterns. By combining a standardized assessment tool with open-ended, qualitative data, the research design facilitated a comprehensive investigation of trauma-informed attachment development while maintaining methodological rigor and ethical sensitivity.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study aimed to include a diverse sample of participants aged 6 to 66 years, recruited from educational institutions, community centers, clinical settings, and online platforms. A random sampling method was used to ensure variability in the sample and enhance the generalizability of findings.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo account for developmental differences, the sample was stratified into three age-based cohorts:\u003c/p\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eChildren (6–12 years) – engaged with simplified interview protocols and caregiver assistance.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e Adolescents (13–18 years) – participated using age-appropriate versions of the ACEs tool.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdults (19–66 years) – completed the full questionnaire independently with qualitative narrative sharing.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe target sample size was 200 + participants, with data collection continuing until data saturation was achieved—i.e., when recurring themes became evident across responses.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study employed random sampling to provide each eligible participant with an equal opportunity to be selected, thereby minimizing sampling bias. Stratified sampling ensured that each age category was adequately represented. Participants were recruited from various demographic backgrounds including different gender identities, socioeconomic statuses, and educational levels, to ensure inclusiveness and diversity in responses.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInclusion Criteria\u003c/b\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAge range between 6 to 66 years.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWillingness and ability to give informed consent (or assent with parental/guardian consent for minors).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eSufficient cognitive and emotional ability to participate in interviews and questionnaires.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003ePresence of attachment-related issues or difficulties.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eExclusion Criteria\u003c/b\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eIndividuals with intellectual disabilities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eOrphans, due to ethical and methodological constraints.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003ePregnant women were excluded for reasons of vulnerability.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTool Used for Data Collection\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe primary instrument used for data collection in this study was the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire (Goddard, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e), a reliable and extensively validated tool originally developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente (WHO, 2020). The version adopted in this research was based on the compilation by Michael G. Bricker (2012–2017) (\u003cem\u003eAdverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Attachment Survey\u003c/em\u003e, n.d.), which includes not only the original 10 ACE items but also an attachment style assessment adapted from the seminal work of Hazen and Shaver (1990).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) component evaluates exposure to early adverse events across three major domains: abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), neglect (emotional and physical), and household dysfunction (such as domestic violence, parental separation, substance abuse, mental illness, or incarceration). Each item is scored dichotomously—“Yes” (1) or “No” (0)—with total scores ranging from 0 to 10, reflecting the cumulative burden of childhood trauma. The attachment style section presents participants with descriptions corresponding to three primary adult attachment styles—secure, anxious/preoccupied, and avoidant/dismissive—based on Hazen and Shaver’s (1990) theoretical framework. Participants are asked to identify which description best reflects their typical behavior in close relationships, providing qualitative insights into their relational tendencies. For children and adolescent participants, the ACE items were reformulated into age-appropriate, semi-structured interview formats to ensure developmental suitability and ethical sensitivity. Data collection was conducted through a combination of in-person interviews and secure online platforms, depending on participant accessibility and preference. Additionally, qualitative open-ended prompts were included alongside the quantitative items to allow participants to elaborate on their personal experiences and offer reflective insights into how early adversity may have influenced their emotional regulation, interpersonal dynamics, and attachment patterns in adulthood.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire demonstrates high construct validity and reliability, supported by numerous studies. Internal consistency has been reported as acceptable to excellent, particularly when assessing cumulative adversity scores. The tool has been shown to predict various psychological and behavioral outcomes in adulthood, such as anxiety, depression, and attachment difficulties, thus making it a suitable measure for this study’s objectives.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eProcedure\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eParticipants were approached through schools, community programs, mental health centers, and online networks. Once selected through random sampling, each participant (or their guardian) received a consent form detailing the study’s purpose, confidentiality, and the voluntary nature of participation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eChildren (6–12 years) participated with caregiver support using simplified interviews.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdolescents (13–18 years) were administered a modified ACE questionnaire and semi structured interviews.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdults (19–66 years) completed the standard ACE questionnaire and participated in narrative sharing.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eData was collected over a period of two months. The Participants could withdraw at any time without consequence. Special care was taken when interviewing minors and individuals sharing sensitive experiences.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData was analysed using a combination of Microsoft Excel and SPSS software. Quantitative data from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scores were entered into Excel and SPSS to calculate frequency distributions, mean scores, and demographic correlations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Considerations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eInformed consent and assent were obtained in writing.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParticipation was voluntary, with the right to withdraw at any stage.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAnonymity and confidentiality of all participant data were strictly maintained.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEthical protocols were followed especially when working with minors and vulnerable individuals.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe study received ethical approval from the relevant institutional review board.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDemographic Details\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCategory\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e124\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e61.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e77\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAge Group\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13\u0026ndash;18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19\u0026ndash;25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e160\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e79.6%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26\u0026ndash;35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.4%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36\u0026ndash;45\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46\u0026ndash;55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e56\u0026ndash;65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e show the Frequencies and Percentages for Gender, Age, and Trauma Score (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;201)\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGender Distribution\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCategory\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercent (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e124\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e61.4%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e77\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.1%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e201\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e99.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMissing\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e shows gender distribution of 202 individuals, with 124 males (61.4%) and 77 females (38.1%). One respondent did not report their gender, accounting for 0.5% missing data. This suggests that the sample was male-dominant, which may slightly influence the generalizability of the results, especially if gender plays a role in how trauma or attachment is expressed or reported.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAge Group Distribution\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAge Group\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercent (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13\u0026ndash;18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19\u0026ndash;25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e160\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e79.2%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26\u0026ndash;35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.4%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36\u0026ndash;45\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46\u0026ndash;55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e56\u0026ndash;65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e201\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e99.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMissing\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e shows most of the participants were young adults aged 19\u0026ndash;25 years (79.2%), which reflects a predominantly emerging adult population. Other age groups were relatively underrepresented, with only 3.5% each from adolescents (13\u0026ndash;18) and adults aged 36\u0026ndash;45. Very few participants were in older age brackets (46+), limiting the applicability of findings to middle-aged or older adults. Again, 1 participant (0.5%) did not disclose their age.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTrauma Score Distribution Adverse Childhood Experiences Scores (ACE )\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eACE Score\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercent (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e96\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.9%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.9%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.4%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e201\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e99.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMissing\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e shows that nearly half of the sample (47.5%) reported no adverse childhood experiences (ACE score\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0). A significant portion (21.3%) experienced one ACE, while smaller portions had multiple ACEs, suggesting a gradual decline in frequency as trauma severity increased. However, 16% of the sample had 4 or more ACEs (i.e., scores of 4 or higher), a level generally associated with a significantly increased risk for various negative mental health outcomes. Only 1 participant (0.5%) reported an ACE score of 9, indicating exposure to nearly all categories of adverse experiences. These results indicate that while a large segment of the sample was non-traumatized, a notable proportion experienced moderate to severe trauma, making them more susceptible to insecure attachment styles and emotional distress in adulthood. The data reflect a young, predominantly male sample, mostly aged 19\u0026ndash;25 years. Nearly half the participants had no childhood trauma, but a significant minority had multiple ACEs. The diversity in trauma exposure levels allows for comparative analysis across attachment style outcomes and gives the study statistical variability. The 0.5% missing data across variables is negligible and unlikely to bias the results significantly.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDescriptive Statistics\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGender (1\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Male, 2\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Female)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.49\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEmotional Abuse\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePhysical Abuse\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSexual Abuse\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEmotional Neglect\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePhysical Neglect\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMother Treated Violently\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHousehold Substance Abuse\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHousehold Mental Illness\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eParental Separation/Divorce\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIncarcerated Household Member\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTrauma Score (ACE total)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSecure Attachment\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.93\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnxious Attachment\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoidant Attachment\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDisorganized Attachment\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"3\"\u003eNote. ACE items were coded as binary (0\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;No, 1\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Yes). Higher scores on attachment variables indicate greater endorsement of that attachment style.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e shows the mean value for gender (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.38, SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.49) reflects a greater proportion of male participants in the sample, where 1 denotes male and 2 denotes female. With regard to childhood trauma exposure, the mean trauma score (ACE total) was 1.33 (SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.84), suggesting that participants, on average, experienced at least one type of adversity before the age of 18.The most commonly reported ACEs were sexual abuse (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.20, SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.40), emotional abuse (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.19, SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.40), and emotional neglect (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.19, SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.40), each occurring in roughly 19\u0026ndash;20% of the sample. Physical abuse (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.18), household substance abuse (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.14), and having a mentally ill household member (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.13) were also reported by a notable portion of the sample. In contrast, parental separation/divorce (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.03) and incarceration of a household member (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.00) were among the least frequently reported ACEs.In terms of attachment styles, disorganized attachment had the highest mean score (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.00, SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.27), followed by anxious attachment (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.84, SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.29), avoidant attachment (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.30, SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2.21), and secure attachment (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.22, SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.93). These results suggest that disorganized and anxious attachment patterns were more prevalent than secure attachment within this sample, possibly reflecting the psychological impact of early trauma experiences.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCorrelational Analysis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"15\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c13\" colnum=\"13\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c14\" colnum=\"14\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c15\" colnum=\"15\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVar\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1. Age\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.14*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.20**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.16*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2. Gender\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.14*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.20**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.20**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.19**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3. EA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.53**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.16*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.40**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.16*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.30**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.24**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.34**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.15*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4. PA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.15*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.39**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.27**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.32**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.26**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.15*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.07\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5. SA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.19**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.25**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6. EN\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.33**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.19**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.28**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.19**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.06\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.16*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.24**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7. PN\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.21**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.33**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.26**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8. MTV\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.36**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.16*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.37**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.14*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.25**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9. HSA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.32**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.18**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.14*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.25**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10. HMI\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.01\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.05\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11. PSD\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.20**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.14*\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.04\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13. AA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.32**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.25**\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14. AVA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;.03\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15. DA\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026mdash;\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"15\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: EA\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Emotional Abuse, PA\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Physical Abuse, SA\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Sexual Abuse, EN\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Emotional Neglect, PN\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Physical Neglect, MTV\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Mother Treated Violently, HSA\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Household Substance Abuse, HMI\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Household Mental Illness, PSD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Parental Separation/Divorce, AA\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Anxious Attachment, AVA\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Avoidant Attachment, DA\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Disorganized Attachment.p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.05. ** p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e show Spearman\u0026rsquo;s rank-order correlation was conducted to examine the relationships between childhood trauma variables and adult attachment styles. The results indicate several significant associations: Age was positively correlated with household substance abuse \\rho\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.20, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01 and negatively with anxious attachment \\rho = -0.16, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.05. Gender was negatively associated with sexual abuse \\rho = -0.20, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01, suggesting higher reports among one gender, and positively with physical abuse and household substance abuse. Strong inter-correlations were found among trauma variables. For example, emotional abuse was highly correlated with physical abuse \\rho\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.53, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01 and emotional neglect \\rho\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.40, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01. Exposure to violence toward the mother (MTV) was significantly related to nearly all trauma types and attachment variables, showing its central role in trauma experiences. Several trauma variables, including emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and household substance abuse, were positively correlated with anxious and disorganized attachment styles: Emotional neglect and anxious attachment: \\rho\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.16, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.05.Mother treated violently and disorganized attachment: \\rho\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.25, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01.Avoidant attachment showed weaker correlations, with fewer significant links to trauma types, indicating a potentially different developmental trajectory. These findings support the hypothesis that cumulative exposure to adverse childhood experiences is significantly associated with insecure and disorganized attachment patterns in adulthood. The correlations between childhood trauma and attachment styles exhibited a generally similar trend across genders, with avoidant attachment showing the strongest positive correlation for both males and females. Females displayed slightly higher correlations across all three insecure styles:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoidant attachment: r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.26 (female), r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.22 (male)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnxious attachment: r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.19 (female), r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.16 (male)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eDisorganized attachment: r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.02 (female), r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.03 (male)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDespite minor variation, the parallel slopes suggest that the pathway from trauma to insecure attachment remains relatively consistent across gender lines. Therefore, Hypothesis 2 was only partially supported. While gender differences in trauma exposure were observed, attachment style outcomes did not significantly vary by gender. There will be no significant relationship between childhood trauma, the development of insecure adult attachment styles, and gender differences.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study investigated the relationship between childhood trauma and the development of insecure adult attachment styles. Using a sample of 201 participants and employing Spearman\u0026rsquo;s correlation analysis, the findings provide strong evidence that various forms of childhood trauma\u0026mdash;emotional, physical, and environmental\u0026mdash;are significantly associated with insecure attachment patterns in adulthood. These findings offer empirical support for the theoretical assumption that early adverse experiences shape adult relational behaviors and psychological functioning.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eConsistent with Hypothesis 1 (H1), childhood trauma showed significant correlations with insecure attachment styles, particularly anxious, avoidant, and disorganized types. Hypothesis 2 (H2), which anticipated gender-based differences in trauma and attachment, received partial support. While gender was related to specific trauma exposures (e.g., sexual abuse), it was not significantly related to attachment styles. Given that multiple significant associations were found between various childhood traumas and adult attachment styles, and gender differences were observed in trauma exposure (though not in attachment styles), the null hypothesis is rejected in part. Childhood trauma does significantly relate to adult attachment styles, although gender does not significantly moderate that relationship.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eH1 was supported: Significant positive correlations exist between various forms of childhood trauma and insecure attachment styles.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eH2 was partially supported: Gender influenced trauma exposure but not the attachment style outcome.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eH0 was partially rejected: The assumption of no association was invalidated for trauma and attachment but held for gender moderating attachment.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese results provide empirical support for the theoretical link between early adversity and adult relational patterns, highlighting the developmental impact of trauma on emotional attachment schemas.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChildhood Trauma and Anxious Attachment\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA significant positive correlation was found between emotional neglect (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.16, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.05) and emotional abuse (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.15, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.05) with anxious attachment. These findings support the view that emotional deprivation and invalidation during childhood foster hypervigilance in relationships. Anxiously attached individuals tend to display fear of abandonment, excessive need for approval, and hypersensitivity to interpersonal cues (Mikulincer et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2002\u003c/span\u003e). The results suggest that early emotional trauma disrupts the development of a secure internal working model, leading to clingy and dependent relational patterns.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChildhood Trauma and Avoidant Attachment\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoidant attachment was significantly correlated with emotional neglect (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.24, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01) and household substance abuse (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.24, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01). These results imply that children raised in emotionally distant or chaotic environments often develop a coping strategy that emphasizes independence and emotional suppression (Bartholomew \u0026amp; Horowitz, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1991\u003c/span\u003e). Such individuals may perceive intimacy as threatening or burdensome. These findings reinforce the developmental pathway from neglectful caregiving to dismissive relational styles in adulthood.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChildhood Trauma and Disorganized Attachment\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHousehold substance abuse (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.25, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01) also exhibited a strong positive correlation with disorganized attachment. Disorganized attachment typically emerges from inconsistent or frightening caregiving experiences (Lyons-Ruth \u0026amp;Jacobvitz, 2008). In this study, substance abuse within the household likely contributed to unpredictability and fear, fostering disoriented and contradictory attachment behaviors. Adults with disorganized styles often exhibit intense relational ambivalence\u0026mdash;both seeking and fearing closeness.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender and Attachment\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough gender was found to be significantly correlated with specific trauma-related variables\u0026mdash;most notably sexual abuse (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.20, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01), where females reported higher rates\u0026mdash;there were no statistically significant correlations between gender and any of the three measured attachment styles. Correlation values between gender and attachment styles were low: anxious (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.08), avoidant (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.05), and disorganized (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.04).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese results suggest that despite differences in the type or frequency of trauma experienced by males and females, the psychological mechanisms linking childhood trauma to attachment insecurity tend to follow similar patterns across genders. The data therefore provide only partial support for Hypothesis 2, which proposed gender-based differences in attachment outcomes related to trauma. Overall, the findings imply that the effects of childhood trauma on attachment development are more universally experienced, with gender exerting minimal influence on the formation of insecure attachment styles.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrend of Correlations Between Childhood Trauma and Attachment Styles by Gender.\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe graph presents a comparative trend analysis of the correlation between childhood trauma and three distinct attachment styles\u0026mdash;Anxious, Avoidant, and Disorganized\u0026mdash;differentiated by gender (male and female). The y-axis represents the correlation coefficient (r), which quantifies the strength and direction of the relationship between childhood trauma and attachment style. The x-axis shows the three attachment styles. A positive value indicates a direct relationship, whereas a negative value implies an inverse relationship.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnxious Attachment:\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor both males (red line) and females (blue line), there is a positive correlation between childhood trauma and anxious attachment style, with values around r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.15 for males and r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.18 for females. This indicates that individuals who experienced childhood trauma are slightly more likely to develop anxious attachment traits, and this tendency is marginally stronger in females.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoidant Attachment:\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe correlation increases further for avoidant attachment in both groups, with females showing a peak correlation of approximately r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.26 and males at r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.22. This suggests that childhood trauma is more strongly associated with avoidant attachment patterns than with anxious ones, particularly among females.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eDisorganized Attachment:\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoth lines sharply decline when it comes to disorganized attachment, dipping below the zero line, suggesting a very weak or slightly negative relationship between trauma and disorganized attachment for both genders (r \u0026asymp; -0.03 to -0.04). This is counterintuitive and may reflect complexities in how disorganized attachment is expressed or measured.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender Differences\u003c/b\u003e:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough females show slightly higher correlation values for both anxious and avoidant styles, the differences are not statistically significant, as indicated by low correlation coefficients between gender and each attachment style (anxious: r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.08, avoidant: r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.05, disorganized: r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.04).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe statistically significant gender difference was observed only in relation to specific trauma experiences, such as sexual abuse (r\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.20, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01), where females reported higher exposure.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe parallel structure of the lines in the graph suggests that the pattern of attachment development following childhood trauma is broadly similar across genders. Despite differing trauma experiences, the psychological impact on attachment style development appears consistent, pointing to universal mechanisms through which trauma influences relational patterns. The hypothesis that gender moderates the relationship between trauma and attachment was only partially supported. While trauma types differ across genders, attachment outcomes remain largely uniform.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis analysis highlights that childhood trauma is positively associated with anxious and avoidant attachment styles for both males and females, with avoidant attachment being most strongly linked. However, disorganized attachment does not show a clear positive correlation, indicating the need for further investigation. Gender, while relevant to specific trauma types, does not significantly influence the broader pattern of attachment outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese results align with Bowlby\u0026rsquo;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1969\u003c/span\u003e) attachment theory and its extensions, emphasizing that early caregiving shapes emotional regulation and relational expectations. The differential associations between specific trauma types and attachment styles confirm earlier findings(Erozkan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Yumbul et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) and support the theory that insecure attachment mediates the long-term psychological outcomes of childhood trauma (Hocking et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Rose et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Notably, the findings mirror literature suggesting that emotional trauma (neglect and abuse) may be more predictive of anxious and avoidant styles, whereas chaotic family environments (e.g., substance abuse) often relate to disorganized patterns.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study has several practical and clinical implications:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eTrauma-Informed Therapy: Understanding the type of childhood trauma can help therapists anticipate clients\u0026rsquo; relational tendencies and tailor interventions (e.g., attachment-based therapies).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrevention Programs: Early detection and intervention in emotionally neglectful or abusive households may reduce the risk of developing maladaptive adult attachment patterns.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003ePolicy and Education: Educators, caregivers, and policymakers should be sensitized to the long-term relational impact of trauma, especially in contexts where emotional neglect or family dysfunction is prevalent.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study underscores the profound and enduring impact of childhood trauma on adult attachment patterns. Specifically, emotional neglect, emotional abuse, and household substance abuse were significantly linked to anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment styles, respectively. Although gender did influence exposure to certain traumas, it did not significantly affect attachment outcomes. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that advocates for trauma-informed approaches in therapy, education, and social policy. Recognizing and addressing the relational consequences of early adversity is essential for promoting long-term emotional well-being and healthier interpersonal functioning.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eConsistent with Hypothesis 1 (H1) \u0026mdash; There will be a significant relationship between childhood trauma and the development of insecure adult attachment styles \u0026mdash; the correlational analysis revealed that various forms of childhood trauma were significantly associated with insecure attachment patterns in adulthood. Emotional neglect, in particular, was positively correlated with both anxious attachment (ρ\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.16, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.05) and avoidant attachment (ρ\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.24, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01). Emotional abuse was significantly associated with anxious attachment (ρ\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.15, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.05), while household substance abuse showed a strong relationship with avoidant (ρ\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.24, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01) and disorganized attachment (ρ\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.25, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese findings suggest that children who experience emotional invalidation or neglect may grow up with inconsistent internal working models of self and others, leading them to either hyperactivate (anxious) or deactivate (avoidant) their attachment systems in adulthood. Similarly, environmental instability due to substance abuse in the household can disrupt the development of secure attachments, fostering a sense of unpredictability and danger, which may manifest as disorganized attachment patterns.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender and Attachment Patterns\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn line with Hypothesis 2 (H2) \u0026mdash; There will be a significant relationship between childhood trauma and adult attachment styles, with both genders exhibiting patterns of insecure attachment \u0026mdash; the findings demonstrated gender differences in the associations between trauma and attachment. Gender was positively correlated with physical abuse (ρ\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.14, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.05) and negatively correlated with sexual abuse (ρ = \u0026minus;.20, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01), indicating that males and females may experience different types of trauma and, potentially, respond with distinct attachment strategies. Gender was also positively associated with physical neglect (ρ\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.20**, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;.01), further emphasizing gendered vulnerabilities in early caregiving environments.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough gender did not significantly correlate with adult attachment styles in this study, the interaction effects may still play a nuanced role in the expression of attachment behaviors. For instance, cultural and socialization differences could influence how men and women respond to trauma and form attachments, even if not directly measured in correlation coefficients.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe null hypothesis (H0) \u0026mdash; There will be no significant relationship between childhood trauma, development of insecure adult attachment styles, and genders exhibiting patterns of insecure attachment \u0026mdash; was rejected based on the findings. Multiple statistically significant correlations were observed between types of trauma and insecure attachment styles, affirming the relevance of early adversity in shaping relational outcomes in adulthood.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese results support attachment theory (Bowlby, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1969\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1988\u003c/span\u003e), which posits that early relationships with caregivers lay the foundation for future relational patterns. Children exposed to emotional and physical neglect may develop internal working models characterized by fear of abandonment or rejection, contributing to anxious attachment. Conversely, those raised in households with violence or substance abuse may adopt avoidant or disorganized strategies as a defense against inconsistent or harmful caregiving.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, the findings align with the developmental psychopathology framework, which emphasizes how risk factors like trauma disrupt normative developmental processes, leading to maladaptive outcomes, including insecure attachment, emotional dysregulation, and interpersonal difficulties.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study sheds significant light on the enduring psychological consequences of childhood trauma and its influence on adult attachment patterns. Grounded in attachment theory and trauma literature, the research findings provide compelling evidence that early adverse experiences\u0026mdash;particularly emotional neglect, emotional abuse, and exposure to household substance abuse\u0026mdash;are significantly associated with the development of insecure attachment styles in adulthood. The data reveal that individuals who endured emotional neglect and abuse during their formative years are more likely to develop anxious and avoidant attachment styles, while those exposed to household substance abuse are especially prone to disorganized attachment.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese patterns underscore the critical role of a secure and emotionally supportive early environment in shaping the internal working models that govern interpersonal relationships throughout life. Furthermore, while gender differences were noted in the prevalence of certain trauma types (such as sexual abuse being more frequently reported by females), the overall relationship between childhood trauma and adult attachment was consistent across genders. This suggests that the mechanisms through which trauma affects attachment security operate similarly for both males and females. The universal nature of these patterns indicates that insecure attachment may be a common psychological consequence of childhood trauma, regardless of gender identity. Therefore, the hypothesis that both genders would exhibit insecure attachment styles in relation to childhood trauma was only partially supported, as the direct link between gender and attachment style was not statistically significant. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how emotional wounds from childhood become embedded in one\u0026rsquo;s relational functioning and emotional regulation in adulthood. Insecure attachment styles are known to be risk factors for various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties in forming stable, healthy relationships. Recognizing the foundational impact of childhood trauma on these adult outcomes is essential not only for psychological theory but also for clinical practice. It reaffirms the necessity of trauma-informed care models that prioritize early detection, emotional safety, and relational repair. Moreover, the study\u0026rsquo;s implications extend beyond clinical settings into education, social policy, and community-based interventions. Programs that educate caregivers, teachers, and social workers about the signs and consequences of emotional neglect and abuse could mitigate long-term psychological harm. Preventive efforts aimed at fostering emotionally nurturing environments may serve as protective factors against the intergenerational transmission of trauma and attachment insecurity. Ultimately, the findings of this research emphasize that childhood experiences do not merely fade with time\u0026mdash;they shape the lens through which individuals view themselves and others. A lack of emotional attachment, neglect, or chaos during formative years can lead to internalized patterns of fear, avoidance, or mistrust that persist well into adulthood. Therefore, this study advocates for a deeper integration of trauma and attachment frameworks across psychological disciplines to foster healing, promote secure relationships, and empower individuals to break free from the legacies of their early experiences.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe authors declare that no grants, funds, or other forms of financial support were received for the research and authorship of this paper.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Availability:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eData for the study is not openly available because informed consent for making data available was not secured. However, anonymized data will be making available open reasonable request to the authors.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflict of Interest:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Approval Statement:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was approved by the Amity Institute of Behavioural \u0026amp; Allied Sciences (AIBAS), Amity University Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInformed Consent: \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll participants involved in this study provided informed consent prior to their participation. The participants were fully informed about the purpose, procedures, and potential risks of the study. The confidentiality and anonymity of the participants were maintained throughout the research process, and they were assured that their participation was voluntary and that they could withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eAdverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Attachment Survey\u003c/em\u003e. (n.d.).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAinsworth, M. D. S. (1967). \u003cem\u003eInfancy in Uganda: infant care and the growth of love.\u003c/em\u003e Johns Hopkins Press. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1967-35025-000\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAinsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., \u0026amp; Wall, S. N. (2015). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. In \u003cem\u003ePatterns of Attachment: A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation\u003c/em\u003e. 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The effect of childhood trauma on adult attachment styles, infidelity tendency, romantic jealousy and self-esteem. \u003cem\u003eProcedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e5\u003c/em\u003e, 1741\u0026ndash;1745. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SBSPRO.2010.07.357\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Childhood trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), adult attachment styles, insecure attachment, trauma-informed care, relational patterns","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7261046/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7261046/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study explores the long-term psychological effects of childhood trauma on adult attachment styles, focusing on the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and the development of attachment patterns in adulthood. Utilizing the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaire, the study assessed participants\u0026rsquo; exposure to ten categories of childhood adversity, including emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction such as parental separation, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Attachment styles in adulthood\u0026mdash;categorized as secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant\u0026mdash;were measured using a validated adult attachment scale. Statistical analyses, including correlation, revealed a significant relationship between high ACE scores and the prevalence of insecure attachment styles. Individuals with multiple ACEs were more likely to report difficulties in emotional closeness, fear of abandonment, avoidance of intimacy, and challenges in trusting others. Conversely, participants with lower ACE scores were more likely to demonstrate secure attachment patterns, characterized by healthy emotional regulation and interpersonal trust. The findings suggest that early traumatic experiences can have a profound and lasting influence on how individuals form and maintain relationships throughout life. The study highlights the critical need for trauma-informed interventions that address attachment-related issues in therapy and counselling. It also emphasizes the importance of early prevention and support systems for at-risk children to foster secure attachment development. The research contributes to the growing body of literature linking developmental trauma to adult relational functioning and provides a framework for clinical practitioners to better understand the underlying attachment issues that may stem from childhood adversity.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"The Relational Consequences of Childhood Trauma: Attachment Patterns in Adults’ Life","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-09-22 08:53:00","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7261046/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"6e2f74ee-2486-4ad3-a895-1431b1cfd95e","owner":[],"postedDate":"September 22nd, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-10-15T22:08:28+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-09-22 08:53:00","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7261046","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7261046","identity":"rs-7261046","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}