The effect of childhood trauma on adult attachment styles, infidelity tendency, romantic jealousy and self-esteem

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to assess how individuals' childhood traumas (emotional, physical, sexual abuse; emotional and physical neglect) affect their attachment styles, infidelity tendency, romantic jealousy and self-esteem. The study was conducted to 150 individuals (91 females, 59 males) including married individuals, individuals in a dating relationship and singles. The analyses demonstrated a significant difference in childhood trauma scores in terms of adult attachment styles and a significant positive correlation between trauma scores and infidelity. The study did not demonstrate any correlation between childhood trauma, romantic jealousy and self-esteem. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.