Attachment Style as Mediator Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces) and Psychological Distress

Abstract

In this study,  the connection between adverse childhood experiences (aces) and psychological distress is explored in the context of adult attachment patterns.especially avoidant, anxious, and secure attachment. A cross-sectional approach was used to evaluate ACEs, attachment styles, and emotional strain among adult participants using standardised self-report questionnaires. The ACES were significantly related to psychological distress, which was considerably influenced through anxious and avoidant attachment styles, according to mediation studies, in contrast, secure attachment was associated with reduced levels of psychological distress but did not completely moderate the impact. These results highlight the need of taking adult attachment styles into account as possible psychological pathways that connect early trauma to outcomes related to mental health. In order to lessen the long-term psychological effects of childhood trauma, the findings imply that therapies that improve maladaptive attachment patterns may be useful tactics. 400 participants, ages 18 to 35, were selected for this study using convenience sampling from Multan's urban and rural populations. Negative childhood experiences were shown to have an inverse relationship with psychological distress, whereas secure attachment also demonstrated a negative association with psychological distress. The association between psychological distress and adverse childhood experiences was significantly mediated by attachment styles.