The purpose of this research study was to examine the relationship between perceived childhood social support and romantic attachment among adult survivors of child abuse. Based on the review of previous research, it was hypothesized that individuals who perceived more childhood social support would have less romantic attachment insecurity, anxiety, and avoidance. It was also hypothesized that the greater frequency of child abuse experiences would be related to a more romantic attachment insecurity, anxiety, and avoidance. In addition, it was hypothesized that individuals who experienced multiple types of abuse would have more romantic attachment insecurity, anxiety, and avoidance than those who experienced one type of abuse. Finally, it was hypothesized that perceived childhood social support would mediate the relationship between child abuse experiences and romantic attachment.

The sample consisted of 103 male and female adult survivors of child abuse between the ages of 18 and 59. Participants were recruited via the Internet and all data were collected online. Participants completed a total of four instruments: A demographics questionnaire, a modified version of the Social Provisions Scale (SPS; Cutrona & Russell, 1987), the Experiences in Close Relationships scale (ECR; Brennan, Clark, & Shaver, 1997), and the Child Abuse and Trauma Scale (CATS, Sanders & Becker-Lausen, 1995).

Analysis of the data revealed that greater levels of perceived childhood social support were significantly related to less romantic attachment security, anxiety, and avoidance. A significant relationship was also found between frequency of child abuse experiences and romantic attachment insecurity, anxiety, and avoidance. It was additionally found that individuals who experienced more than one type of child abuse were significantly more insecure and avoidant in their romantic attachment styles than individuals who experienced only one type of abuse. No significant differences in anxious romantic attachment style were found between individuals who experienced more than one type of abuse and individuals who experienced one type of abuse. Finally, it was found that perceived childhood social support mediated the relationship between child abuse experiences and romantic attachment security. Post hoc analyses revealed a significant negative relationship between five of the six provisions of the Social Provisions Scale, child abuse experiences, and romantic attachment style. Limitations of the study findings, suggestions for future research, and clinical implications were discussed.