The impact of childhood traumas on parenting attitudes ; An evaluation through attachment styles

This study aims to examine the relationship between childhood traumas, parenting attitudes, and attachment styles. A total of 301 parents aged 18 to 40 participated, and data were collected using the Attachment Styles Scale, Parenting Attitudes Scale, Childhood Psychological Trauma Scale, and a sociodemographic information form. Participants' gender, education level, and number of children were also analyzed. Findings indicate a positive and significant relationship between childhood traumas and anxious attachment style. No significant difference was found in attachment styles based on gender, although the literature suggests that women tend to exhibit more avoidant attachment. No gender differences were observed in parenting attitudes, but women scored higher in overprotective parenting. While no significant relationship was found between education level and parenting attitudes, studies indicate that parents with lower education levels tend to adopt more protective parenting styles. Examining the relationship between parenting attitudes and attachment styles, overprotective parenting was positively associated with anxious attachment. Democratic parenting was linked to secure attachment, whereas authoritarian parenting increased anxious attachment. A negative relationship was found between permissive parenting and anxious attachment. This study is a quantitative research based on a relational screening model, examining the impact of childhood traumas on parenting attitudes through attachment styles. The findings align with the literature, demonstrating the influence of childhood traumas on attachment styles and parenting attitudes. Keywords: Attachment Styles, Childhood Trauma, Parental attitudes