Adult attachment: Its mediation role on childhood trauma and mobile phone addiction

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the extent to which adult attachment mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and mobile phone addiction. The sample consisted of 263 Chinese college students in Fujian (female = 65.4%; mean age = 19.45 years, SD = 1.52 years). Students completed measures of childhood trauma, adult attachment, and mobile phone addiction. Mediation analysis applying structural equation modelling and Preacher’s mediation analysis showed that childhood trauma was associated with high insecure attachment and mobile phone addiction. Moreover, adult attachment partially mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and mobile phone addiction. These findings suggest a need for caregivers to focus on the physical and mental health of children, to reduce their risk for insecure attachment and cell phone addiction in adulthood.

Keywords:

• adult attachment
• childhood trauma
• mobile phone addiction