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.
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.