Effects of Childhood Emotional Maltreatment on Adulthood Relationships of Minority Women: A Qualitative Study
Date
2024-04-26
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Abstract
Childhood Emotional Maltreatment (CEM) , which encompasses both childhood abuse and childhood neglect, exerts various adverse effects on brain development and response to diverse situations, particularly in relationships. Drawing from Bowlby’s attachment theory, this study investigated how relationships may be jeopardized for individuals who endured maltreatment in childhood. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of CEM on adulthood relationships, specifically parental and romantic relationships. Through interviews, the emotion regulation and attachment patterns of four racial/ethnic minority women aged 20 to 27 in Appalachia were explored–all of whom experienced emotional maltreatment during childhood–to discern the roles these components play in their parental and romantic relationships. On average, participants scored 6 out of 10 on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scale. Qualitative research methods were utilized employing one-on-one, in-person, semi-structured interviews to collect data. Each interview lasted between 16 to 35 minutes, exploring how participants’ experiences of CEM have impacted or are impacting their parental and romantic relationships over their lifetimes. Six prominent themes emerged from the data: Inconsistent Parenting, Disconnect, Behaviors, Fears, Relationships, and Multiple ACEs. The data partially supported the prediction that participants who had experienced CEM may tend to remain in unhealthy relationships, exhibiting insecure attachment styles within relationships. Furthermore, the findings underscore the necessity for further research investigating the intersectional effects of trauma on minority women who were displaced from their home countries during childhood.
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Childhood Emotional Maltreatment, Relationships, romantic, Relationships, parental, Women -- minority