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Childhood Maltreatment and Adult Attachment: A Three-Level Meta-Analytic Review.
Song Li1, Yuanxiao Ma2, Xiaojun Cao3
1Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
Trauma, Violence & Abuse
|June 28, 2026
Summary
Childhood maltreatment is linked to insecure adult attachment. This meta-analysis confirms a significant association, emphasizing the need for interventions to foster secure bonds.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Attachment Theory
Background:
- Childhood maltreatment is a known risk factor for insecure attachment.
- Empirical evidence on the strength and direction of this relationship is mixed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the overall associations between childhood maltreatment and adult attachment.
- To examine key moderators of these associations.
Main Methods:
- Two three-level meta-analyses were conducted.
- Included 1,304 effect sizes from 228 independent samples (82,376 participants).
Main Results:
- Significant positive correlations found between childhood maltreatment and attachment anxiety (r=0.23) and avoidance (r=0.20).
- Stronger associations observed for emotional maltreatment and with multidimensional measurement tools.
Conclusions:
- Adverse caregiving experiences have an enduring impact on adult attachment.
- Highlights the importance of policies to reduce childhood maltreatment and interventions for affected adults.
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