ERIC Number: EJ933290
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Jan
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0167
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Childhood Emotional Abuse and Attachment Processes in the Dyadic Adjustment of Dating Couples
Riggs, Shelley A.; Cusimano, Angela M.; Benson, Karen M.
Journal of Counseling Psychology, v58 n1 p126-138 Jan 2011
In an effort to improve understanding of the mechanisms that link early maltreatment to later outcomes, this study investigated the mediation effects of adult attachment processes on the association between childhood emotional abuse and later romantic relationships among heterosexual couples. College students and their dating partners (N = 310; 155 couples) completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Experiences in Close Relationship Scale, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (Kenny, Kashy, & Cook, 2006), multilevel modeling results indicated that memories of childhood emotional abuse reported by both students and their partners were significantly associated with attachment strategies, as well as romantic relationship quality. Findings supported hypothesized mediation effects of attachment anxiety and avoidance. (Contains 1 figure, 3 tables, and 4 footnotes.)
Descriptors: Child Abuse, Questionnaires, Dating (Social), Attachment Behavior, Adults, Intimacy, College Students, Emotional Development, Hypothesis Testing, Anxiety, Memory, Correlation, Child Development
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Dyadic Adjustment Scale
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A