NCJ Number
229836
Journal
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2010 Pages: 5-51
Date Published
February 2010
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This article examines the phenomenon of childhood emotional abuse from the framework of attachment theory and constructs a theoretical model of development that accounts for the impact of childhood emotional abuse on romantic relationship functioning in adulthood.
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to review the theoretical and empirical literature regarding the normative development of the attachment system from infancy through adulthood, and then discuss deviations from the normal developmental pathways that occur in response to emotionally abusive parenting (e.g., strong rejection, intrusive or controlling, hostile, or frightening behavior). A theoretical model grounded in attachment theory is presented describing the development of maladaptive interaction patterns in adult romantic relationships. The model proposes that early emotional abuse engenders insecure attachment, which impairs emotional regulation, fosters negative views of self and others that support maladaptive coping responses, interferes with social functioning and the capacity for intimate adult attachments, contributes to poor mental health, and consequently shapes the quality of romantic relationships. Figure, tables, and references (Published Abstract)