From Parental Bonds to Couple Coping: The Mediating Role of Adult Attachment Styles

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between Parental bonding and Dyadic coping with adult attachment styles acting as a mediator. It particularly observed how the type of parental bonding; high in either care or overprotection, shapes the attachment style of individuals leading to either secure or insecure, which in turn affects the collaborative coping efforts of couples in the face of adverse situations in their lives. The study implements a cross-sectional, correlational survey design utilizing a sample of 300 individuals aged 18 to 40 years (M=122, F=178), who were selected through purposive sampling technique. Standardized measures, including Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI), and Experiences in Close Relationships - Short Form (ECR-S), were used to measure the variables. Results depicted that adult attachment styles significantly mediated the relationship between parental bonding and dyadic coping (p<0.01).  Both parental care (B = 0.2414, 95% CI [0.1563, 0.3330]) and parental overprotection (B = –0.2405, 95% CI [–0.3303, –0.1565]) exerted significant indirect effects on dyadic coping through attachment, suggesting full mediation. Hence, the results of the study underscore the importance of providing positive childhood attachment and suggest that promoting secure attachment and positive parenting can enhance relationship coping in adulthood through the development of secure attachment styles.