Author(s): Gracy Buffington
Mentor(s): Dannelle Larson
Institution UTech
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive and deeply traumatic experience that can have long-lasting effects on a survivor's emotional and psychological well-being. CSA refers to any sexual activity between an adult and a child, which can severely impact a child’s emotional development. Such trauma can lead to insecure attachment patterns, which increase the risk of future emotional and mental health challenges (Ensink et al., 2017). Studies indicate that the prevalence of CSA is approximately 10.14%, with 24.8% of cases occurring in men and 75.2% in women. Victims and survivors may find it difficult to open to others about their experiences, which hinders social support (Independent Inquiry into Sexual Abuse, 2020). These difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships can lead to insecure attachment, which can further exacerbate feelings of isolation. Bowlby’s (1988) theory of attachment suggests that early childhood experiences play a foundational role in shaping an individual’s emotional development and the ability to form healthy relationships throughout life. The theory highlights the critical role of early caregiver relationships in shaping attachment patterns. While both parents play crucial roles in a child's emotional development, the attachment styles they foster can differ, with mothers typically providing the primary source of security (Bolby, 1988). Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine attachment differences in parent-child relationships while considering CSA. We expected participants who experienced CSA to exhibit higher levels of attachment to their primary mother figure than to their father figure. Participants (N = 326) completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire (Felitti et al., 2005), and the Relationship Structures Questionnaire (Fraley et al., 2011). Participants were primarily female (77.3%), and the mean age was 30.02. Chi-square analysis revealed significant differences in attachment categories based on CSA. Individuals with CSA are more likely to have fearful or dismissive attachment with their mother compared to secure or anxious attachment; attachment with their father shows no significant differences with or without CSA. Future research should examine the long-term effects of CSA on attachment patterns, with a particular focus on the development of secure romantic relationships.