Parental attachment, romantic competence, and psychosocial adjustment in an emerging adult sample

Abstract

Previous research has found a significant relation between parental attachment and psychosocial adjustment among emerging adults. This study aimed to examine whether the links between parental attachment and adjustment outcomes in emerging adults were mediated by the development of romantic competence and relationship satisfaction. The hypothesized model proposed adjustment outcomes are the result of not only parental attachment, but also romantic competence and relationship satisfaction. One hundred eighty-eight volunteer participants were recruited and participated in a semi-structured interview and completed self-report questionnaires. Results showed mother and father attachment each uniquely predicted overall distress levels and life satisfaction. Regression analyses also showed romantic competence and relationship satisfaction mediated the link between mother attachment and adjustment outcomes to a significant degree. These results imply maternal attachment is an important contributor to psychosocial adjustment and that romantic competence and relationship satisfaction play an important role within emerging adults' development.