TY - JOUR
T1 - Adult Attachment as Mediator between Recollections of Childhood and Satisfaction with Life
AU - Hinnen, Chris
AU - Sanderman, Robbert
AU - Sprangers, Mirjam A. G.
PY - 2009
Y1 - 2009
N2 - In accordance with attachment theory, the present study investigates whether internal working models of attachment mediated the association between childhood memories and satisfaction about life in adulthood. A convenient sample of 437 participants completed questionnaires assessing a broad range of childhood memories, working models of attachment and life satisfaction. After controlling for demographics, relational status and living condition, Baron and Kenny's mediation criteria were met for the association between memories about childhood, adult attachment and life satisfaction. That is, family warmth and harmony and parental support were associated with attachment security while parental rejection and adverse childhood events (e.g., abuse, parental psychopathology) were associated with an insecure attachment style. More securely attached individuals were in turn more satisfied about their current life than insecurely attached individuals. Sobel test confirmed these findings. These finding are in accordance with attachment theory and highlight the importance of this theory for understanding how early childhood experiences may impact adult life. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
AB - In accordance with attachment theory, the present study investigates whether internal working models of attachment mediated the association between childhood memories and satisfaction about life in adulthood. A convenient sample of 437 participants completed questionnaires assessing a broad range of childhood memories, working models of attachment and life satisfaction. After controlling for demographics, relational status and living condition, Baron and Kenny's mediation criteria were met for the association between memories about childhood, adult attachment and life satisfaction. That is, family warmth and harmony and parental support were associated with attachment security while parental rejection and adverse childhood events (e.g., abuse, parental psychopathology) were associated with an insecure attachment style. More securely attached individuals were in turn more satisfied about their current life than insecurely attached individuals. Sobel test confirmed these findings. These finding are in accordance with attachment theory and highlight the importance of this theory for understanding how early childhood experiences may impact adult life. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
U2 - https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.600
DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.600
M3 - Article
C2 - 19165809
SN - 1063-3995
VL - 16
SP - 10
EP - 21
JO - Clinical psychology & psychotherapy
JF - Clinical psychology & psychotherapy
IS - 1
ER -