Unraveling the Link Between Childhood Trauma And Depressive Symptoms: The Mediating Influence of Attachment Styles

Abstract

This study examines the mediating role of attachment styles (anxious and avoidant) in the between childhood trauma and symptoms of depression. A cross-sectional approach was used. 200 young adults between the age group 19-26 were considered from city Rawalpindi and Islamabad. After consent participants were given demographic information sheet followed by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), the Adult Attachment Scale (AAS), and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). For statistical analysis (descriptive analysis and inferential statistics such as Pearson correlation and mediation analysis) were conducted. The current study is a Pearson correlation analysis to unfold the relationship between the childhood trauma and depression's symptoms, which shows a clear and significant positive relationship (r=.45, p <. 01). Mediation analysis further shows that Childhood trauma is also positively associated with anxious attachment (B = .17, t = 5.19, p < .001) Anxious attachment also is significantly associated with heightened depressive symptoms (B = .61, t = 4.09, p < .001), In addition, childhood trauma is also associated with avoidant attachment (B = .16, t = 2.43, p = <.001). Avoidant attachment, however, is a very strong predictor of depressive symptoms (B=.72, t=9.73, p<.001). These results do suggest that the Attachment styles (anxious and avoidant) does mediate the relationship between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of encouraging secure attachment in order to mitigate the long-term psychological consequences of childhood trauma.