Indirect association between childhood maltreatment and food and alcohol disturbance through insecure attachment in university students.

Abstract

Background: Food and Alcohol Disturbance (FAD) is characterized by a functional relationship between disordered eating behaviors and problematic alcohol use. Childhood adversity has been found to be associated with FAD, but its potential impacts on attachment profiles and FAD behaviors have never been examined. The present study tests a model in which insecure attachment mediates the relationship between childhood maltreatment and FAD.

Methods: University students (N = 629) participated in the study, completing questionnaires on FAD, childhood maltreatment history, and adult attachment. Structural equation modeling was used to test the mediated effect of childhood maltreatment through attachment on FAD behaviors.

Results: Insecure attachment and childhood maltreatment were related; however, only insecure attachment was directly related to FAD behaviors. A history of childhood maltreatment was indirectly related to FAD, mediated by insecure attachment. Attachment insecurity, particularly preoccupied and fearful patterns, was directly related to FAD behaviors in students and mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and FAD.

Conclusions: These findings may explain how early experiences of child maltreatment can be related to attachment style, and later, in adulthood, influence FAD behaviors in students. Clinicians should adapt treatment and preventions strategies to help patients transition from insecure attachment to a more secure pattern and regulate their negative emotions.