Document Type
Poster
Publication Title
Northrop Grumman Engineering & Science Student Design Showcase
Abstract
• Early attachment relationships are theorized to inform one’s internal “working models” of relationships that carry forward into development (Bowlby, 1973) and influence attachment tendencies into adulthood (Collins & Read, 1990; Simpson et al., 1996). • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are strongly associated with the development of insecure attachment patterns—particularly anxious and avoidant. Individuals with higher ACE scores tend to struggle with emotional regulation and relational security, increasing their risk for attachment issues into adulthood (Kuhar et al., 2024). • When avoidant attachment develops in the context of ACEs, it often persists from childhood through adulthood, suggesting a sustained attachment trajectory (Glass, 2021). • Kuhar et al. (2024) found small positive correlations between ACES and both avoidant and anxious adult attachment styles. However, ACEs were not found to be a significant predictor of avoidant attachment in mediation models, whereas anxious attachment was found to mediate the relationship between ACEs, self-rated emotional support,and self-rated mental health. • Despite finding that women reported more ACEs and higher avoidant attachment than men, Kuhar et al. (2024) did not examine whether ACEs predicted insecure adult attachment styles differently between sexes.
Publication Date
4-25-2025
Recommended Citation
Whipple, Linsey, "Adverse Childhood Experiences and Insecure Adult Attachment" (2025). Psychology Student Publications. 3.
https://repository.fit.edu/psy_student/3
Comments
Advisor: Travis W. Conradt