Childhood Trauma and Attachment Styles as Predictors of Marital Satisfaction: A Psychosocial Perspective from Türkiye in the Context of SDG 3
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study is to examine how individuals' marital satisfaction differs across demographic, attachment-based, and psychosocial variables, with a particular focus on the predictive effect of childhood trauma. The study aligns with the aims of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being, by addressing mental and relational health as essential dimensions of overall well-being. Theoretical Framework: Grounded in attachment theory and trauma-informed relational frameworks, the study integrates insights from developmental psychology and family counseling. Childhood trauma is conceptualized within trauma theory, focusing on the long-term relational impact of early adversity. Adult attachment styles are defined using Bartholomew and Horowitz’s four-category model, emphasizing internal working models formed in early caregiving relationships. Marital satisfaction is approached from interpersonal and family systems perspectives, highlighting emotional intimacy, communication, and mutual support. Method: A quantitative, relational survey design was employed with 402 married individuals in Osmaniye, Türkiye, selected through convenience and criterion sampling. Data were collected using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-28), the Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ), and the Marital Life Scale (MLS). Analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression. Results and Discussion: Childhood trauma significantly and negatively predicted marital satisfaction. Attachment styles did not significantly predict or moderate this relationship. Marital satisfaction differed by education, occupation, income perception, and marriage type, but not by gender, age, or marriage duration. Including childhood trauma increased explained variance to 11%. Research Implications: Findings highlight the importance of trauma-informed and attachment-based frameworks in marital counseling and prevention. Originality/Value: This study provides empirical evidence on the long-term effects of childhood trauma on adult relational well-being and calls for integrative, developmentally sensitive psychological practices.
Authors: Emine Ergen Gürbüz, Müjdat Avcı, Oğuzhan Çolakkadıoğlu, Sezai Demir
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412151237