Coping Together or Separate: Attachment and Dyadic Coping as Mediators Linking Childhood Maltreatment to Intimate Relationship Quality

Abstract

Childhood maltreatment is associated with poorer quality relationships and attachment theory has proffered an influential framework. The role of dyadic coping remains unclear and may play an integral role linking attachment insecurity and relationship quality among adults who experienced maltreatment. Using a sample of 177 adults (56.6% racial minority) were recruited from a southern university a serial mediational model was examined using structural equation modeling. Childhood maltreatment was linked with relationship quality through greater attachment avoidance and lower levels dyadic coping. Focusing on dyadic coping among avoidantly attached individuals from a trauma-informed perspective may be a point of clinical intervention.

Keywords:

• Child maltreatment
• attachment
• dyadic coping
• relationship quality

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael Fitzgerald

Michael Fitzgerald, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the School of Child and Family Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS. Michael Fitzgerald is now an assistant professor at Oklahoma State University in the department of Human Development and Family Science.

Jordan Shuler

Jordan Shuler, M.S., is a doctoral student at Oklahoma State University.