Adverse childhood experiences and insecure attachment: The indirect effects of dissociation and emotion regulation difficulties
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2024
Abstract
Objective: Difficulties with dissociation and emotion regulation are well-documented reactions to early adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Although findings identify dissociation and emotion dysregulation as explaining the relationship between various forms of ACEs and adult psychopathology, less is known about their combined effect in the relationship between ACEs and insecure attachment in adulthood. This study examined the indirect effects of dissociation and emotion regulation difficulties in the relationship between early adverse experiences and insecure attachment traits. Method: Participants (N = 260) completed an online questionnaire measuring ACEs, dissociation, emotion regulation difficulties, and anxious and avoidant attachment. Results: Results indicated that, after controlling for mental health treatment, dissociation and emotion regulation difficulties explained the relationship between ACEs and insecure (anxious and avoidant) attachment. Emotion regulation difficulties were not a significant predictor of avoidant attachment. Conclusion: Findings provide support for greater research on mediating factors in the maintenance of insecure attachment across development and potential implications of dissociation and emotion regulation in clinical and nonclinical populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)
Published In
Snyder, K. S., Luchner, A. F., & Tantleff-Dunn, S. (2024). Adverse childhood experiences and insecure attachment: The indirect effects of dissociation and emotion regulation difficulties. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 16(Suppl 1), S20–S27. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001532
Publication Title
Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy
DOI
10.1037/tra0001532