Adult Attachment

Abstract

This study investigated the nature of the relationship between child sexual abuse, adult attachment style as measured by the Relationship Questionnaire, and psychological adjustment as measured by the Trauma Symptom Inventory. Participants were 307 female university students, including 85 women with a history of child sexual abuse. Results indicated that a history of child sexual abuse predicted both psychological adjustment and adult attachment style, and that adult attachment style predicted psychological adjustment. In addition, a mediational model in which attachment mediates between child sexual abuse and later psychological adjustment was supported. Results are discussed in terms of implications for conducting therapy with child sexual abuse survivors.