Footprints from childhood: intra- versus extra-familial childhood maltreatment and attachment to romantic partners in adulthood

Background: Childhood maltreatment may have long lasting consequences on adult attachment and intimate relationships in adulthood. Attached security in adulthood varies depending on the type of abuse and the perpetrator, i.e., intrafamilial vs. extrafamilial. In the current study, we investigate how different types of childhood maltreatment and of perpetrator are associated with adult attachment. 

Methods: In a sample of 1850 respondents, aged 18–65 from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA), type of childhood maltreatment and of perpetrator were assessed using the Structured Childhood Trauma Interview (CTI), distinguishing four types of childhood trauma: emotional neglect, psychological, physical, and sexual abuse. Adult attachment (attachment avoidance & attachment anxiety) was assessed nine years later, based on the Experience of Close Relationships-Short version questionnaire (ECR-S). 

Results: All four types of trauma (i.e., emotional neglect, and psychological, physical, and sexual abuse) were associated with attachment in adulthood, with the strongest associations observed for emotional neglect and sexual abuse. Attachment anxiety was more pronounced when both parents had been emotionally neglectful. Moreover, individuals who experienced intrafamilial sexual abuse reported more anxious and avoidant attachment in adulthood than those who experienced extrafamilial sexual abuse. 

Conclusions: In clinical practice, it is important to explore the link between relational problems/adult attachment and past traumatic experiences, as they may fundamentally impact feelings of trust and safety. The impact is largest when childhood neglect and abuse occurred within families and when both parents are involved.