Apego romántico en adolescentes maltratados en su niñez

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine whether maltreatment experiences in childhood influence romantic attachment style in adolescence. The study included 54 adolescents who suffered serious family maltreatment, who were separed from their biological families and were in residential care, and 63 adolescents who has suffered moderate maltreatment and were living with their biological families under treatment and, 139 non-maltrated adolescents. Results indicated tha those who had been maltreated during childhood show greater use of the avoidance romantic attachment strategy. However, no differences were found in the anxious dimension of attachment. Results are discussed in relation to the normative trends of attachment models and attachment styles identified in adolescence, and according to the available evidence on the relationship between child maltreatment and romantic attachment styles in this developmental stage. Also, some implications for the therapeutic intervention with maltreated adolescents in their childhood are discussed.