Distinct paths to alcohol problems: Impacts of childhood maltreatment, attachment insecurity, and interpersonal problems. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Murase, Hanako; Simons, Raluca M.; Simons, Jeffrey S.
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 115(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Childhood maltreatment -- Alcohol use -- Alcohol-related problems -- Attachment -- Interpersonal problems; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106780
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Highlights: Sexual abuse and neglect lead to anxious attachment and selfless attitude. Physical abuse leads to avoidant attachment and cold and controlling attitudes. Sexual abuse and neglect predict alcohol consumption via interpersonal variables. Physical abuse predicts alcohol-related problems via interpersonal variables. Three types of childhood maltreatment distinctly predict alcohol-related outcomes. Abstract: Childhood maltreatment is a strong risk factor for increased alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. One possible explanation for these associations is the influence of dysfunctional attachment styles and interpersonal problems in adulthood. Individuals who have experienced childhood maltreatment are likely to develop maladaptive interpersonal styles due to insecure attachment. Maladaptive interpersonal styles may increase emotional distress, which in turn, can make these individuals vulnerable to alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. Using data from 508 undergraduate students, this study examined the associations between three types of childhood maltreatment (i.e., sexual abuse, punishment that included physical abuse, and a negative home atmosphere that included neglect), alcohol use, and alcohol-related problems via insecure attachment and interpersonal problems. The results showed that punishment predicted alcohol problems via avoidant attachment and selfish interpersonal style. Sexual abuse and negative home atmosphere predicted alcohol consumption through anxious attachment and selfless interpersonal style. In addition, sexual abuse directly predicted alcohol problems. These findings provide new insights for the field of childhood maltreatment and addiction literature.