The relationship between childhood abuse and adult attachment styles: the mediator role of sensory over-responsivity

Abstract

Abusive experiences in childhood are common and can have effects on health and well-being that can last for many years, including altering the interpersonal behavior. There is also evidence showing that these early negative experiences may cause alteration in sensory modulation. This study aimed to understand if sensory over-responsivity (SOR) may play an important role in mediating the association between childhood abuse (Emotional Abuse, Emotional Neglect, Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Physical Neglect) and Attachment-related Anxiety and Avoidance in adult romantic relationships. The sample consisted of 500 individuals aged 18-62 years (M= 28.83, SD = 7.82). Participants in this study completed an online survey, which contained the following instruments: Sensory Processing Scale Inventory (SPSI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF), and Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire (ECR). The proposed mediation models have a higher mediation percentage for attachment-related anxiety rather than avoidance. All variables predicted the mediator, except sexual abuse that predicts the outcome but did not predict the overall model when the mediator was included.