Examining the relationships between childhood traumas, attachment styles and narcissistic personality traits

The present study aims to examine the relationships among childhood trauma, attachment styles, and narcissistic personality traits in young adults. The sample of the study consists of 389 young adults, including 148 women (38%) and 241 men (62%), aged between 18 and 45. The data collection instruments used were the Personal Information Form, the Childhood Trauma Scale, the Three-Dimensional Attachment Styles Scale, and the Short Form of the Five-Factor Narcissism Scale. To test the data obtained from the study, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted. The results indicate that physical abuse, physical neglect, and sexual abuse vary according to gender and educational level. Attachment styles did not significantly vary by gender but did vary by educational level. Vulnerable narcissism did not differ by gender, whereas grandiose narcissism did, and narcissism did not vary by educational level. Correlation analysis revealed that secure attachment was negatively related to physical and emotional abuse and positively related to emotional neglect. Anxious attachment showed a negative relationship with physical abuse and emotional neglect, and a positive relationship with emotional abuse. Avoidant attachment was negatively related to physical abuse and emotional neglect and positively related to emotional abuse. Vulnerable narcissism was positively related to sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Grandiose narcissism was positively related to physical and emotional abuse and negatively related to physical neglect. No significant relationship was found between narcissism and attachment styles. Regression analysis results showed that childhood trauma significantly predicts vulnerable narcissism, and both childhood trauma and attachment styles significantly predict grandiose narcissism. The findings of the study are discussed in light of the literature, and suggestions for future research are provided.