Adverse Childhood Experiences and Insecure Attachment: The Indirect Effects of Dissociation and Emotion Regulation Difficulties

Objective: Difficulties with dissociation and emotion regulation are well-documented reactions to early adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Although findings identify dissociation and emotion dysregulation as explaining the relationship between various forms of ACEs and adult psychopathology, less is known about their combined effect in the relationship between ACEs and insecure attachment in adulthood. This study examined the indirect effects of dissociation and emotion regulation difficulties in the relationship between early adverse experiences and insecure attachment traits. Method: Participants (N = 260) completed an online questionnaire measuring ACEs, dissociation, emotion regulation difficulties, and anxious and avoidant attachment. Results: Results indicated that, after controlling for mental health treatment, dissociation and emotion regulation difficulties explained the relationship between ACEs and insecure (anxious and avoidant) attachment. Emotion regulation difficulties were not a significant predictor of avoidant attachment. Conclusion: Findings provide support for greater research on mediating factors in the maintenance of insecure attachment across development and potential implications of dissociation and emotion regulation in clinical and nonclinical populations. Clinical Impact Statement Our study potentially has implications for understanding how psychological distress is experienced by those who have experienced ACEs. Lasting difficulties like dissociation and emotional dysregulation may influence the relational insecurities many survivors of ACEs may face in adult relationships, and our findings underscore the importance of investigating factors that influence individuals who are exposed to greater childhood adversity. Additionally, the roles of dissociation and emotion regulation difficulties are likely important when assessing the impact of ACEs on individuals and may also be central when considering the impact of interpersonal trauma in research and practice.