Parents' childhood psychological maltreatment and youth mental health: Exploring the role of attachment styles

Abstract

Adults' experience of psychological maltreatment in childhood has devastating consequences on almost all aspects of their life including their parenting practice and relationship with their children. This study aimed to gain a better understanding of the effects of parents' childhood psychological maltreatment on their children's emotional and behavioral problems. The further aim of this study was to explore the mediating role of parents' attachment styles on the relationship between parents' maltreatment experience and youth mental health problems. A sample of 210 parents, ranging in age from 25 to 60 years (M = 38.86, SD = 6.32), who have children aged between 6 and 15 were included in the study. Mediation analyses were performed to examine the study's proposed model. Study results showed that parents' secure and anxious attachment style mediated the relationship between parents' childhood psychological maltreatment and young people's internalizing and externalizing problems. These findings indicate that parents' attachment styles play an important role in the link between parents' childhood adverse experiences and youth mental health. Practical implications for mental health professionals working with children and families are discussed.