Adult Attachment as Mediator between Recollections of Childhood and Satisfaction with Life

In accordance with attachment theory, the present study investi-gates whether internal working models of attachment mediated the association between childhood memories and satisfaction about life in adulthood. A convenient sample of 437 participants completed questionnaires assessing a broad range of childhood memories, working models of attachment and life satisfaction. After control-ling for demographics, relational status and living condition, Baron and Kenny’s mediation criteria were met for the association between memories about childhood, adult attachment and life satisfaction. That is, family warmth and harmony and parental support were asso-ciated with attachment security while parental rejection and adverse childhood events (e.g., abuse, parental psychopathology) were asso-ciated with an insecure attachment style. More securely attached individuals were in turn more satisfi ed about their current life than insecurely attached individuals. Sobel test confi rmed these fi ndings. These fi nding are in accordance with attachment theory and highlight the importance of this theory for understanding how early childhood experiences may impact adult life. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley &amp