The relationship between women's childhood experiences, attachment styles, and psychological well-being and Cinderella Syndrome

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between women's childhood experiences, attachment styles, and psychological well-being levels and Cinderella Syndrome. The research, designed as descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational, was carried out between November 2024 and May 2025 with a total of 334 women aged 18–49 who were married or had a partner. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Childhood Experiences Scale (CES), Three-Dimensional Attachment Scale (TDAS), Psychological Well-Being Scale, and Cinderella Syndrome Scale (CSS). According to the study findings, the participants' mean total CSS score was 79.87±27.40. Significant differences were found between the women's total CSS scores and subdimensions and their sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics (p<0.05). The total CSS score and its subdimensions were positively correlated with the CES and with the avoidant and anxious-ambivalent attachment subdimensions of the TDAS, whereas they were negatively correlated with the Psychological Well-Being Scale score and the secure attachment style (p<0.001). Results of the multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the threatening memories subdimension of the CES and the anxious-ambivalent attachment style of the TDAS were significant predictors for the sexist and avoidance-of-responsibility subdimensions of the CSS (p<0.001). Additionally, having a primary school education, the ages of the participant and spouse/partner, number of living children, CES–threatening memories, anxious-ambivalent attachment style, and low psychological well-being level were determined as significant risk factors for the career-abandonment subdimension of the CSS (p<0.005). Overall, CES–threatening memories and anxious-ambivalent attachment style were strong predictors of the total CSS score (p<0.001). In conclusion, women with adverse childhood experiences and those exhibiting avoidant and anxious-ambivalent attachment styles were found to have higher Cinderella Syndrome scores. In contrast, a secure attachment style and high psychological well-being levels had a reducing effect on Cinderella Syndrome scores. It is recommended that midwifery care include counseling that supports secure attachment, early education and support for families, approaches to enhance psychological well-being, and awareness-raising activities on gender equality. Additionally, further studies are needed in the field of midwifery to investigate the effects of Cinderella Syndrome on women's health.. Keywords: Cinderella Syndrome, childhood experiences, attachment style, psychological well-being, midwifery care.