The Effects of Childhood Trauma on Marriage and Relationships: A Review of the Theoretical, Clinical, and Empirical Literature

Childhood trauma, encompassing emotional, physical, and sexual maltreatment, has profound and lasting effects on adult romantic relationships. This review synthesizes findings from recent studies to elucidate the mechanisms by which childhood trauma impacts marital and relationship satisfaction. Research indicates that childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) undermines relationship quality by fostering negative characteristics such as decreased compassionate goals and increased hostility towards partners. Longitudinal studies reveal that individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment exhibit lower relationship satisfaction, with effects intensifying over time. Specifically, a study found that 68% of individuals with childhood trauma reported significant relationship distress compared to 38% of those without such experiences. Additionally, childhood trauma is linked to insecure attachment patterns, including anxious and avoidant attachment, which mediate the relationship between trauma and poor relationship quality. Depression and anxiety, often stemming from childhood trauma, further exacerbate these issues, leading to lower quality intimate relationships. Dyadic studies highlight significant actor and partner effects, indicating that both individuals’ trauma histories contribute to overall couple satisfaction. For instance, couples where both partners had a history of trauma reported 25% lower relationship satisfaction compared to couples without such histories. This review underscores the importance of addressing childhood trauma in therapeutic settings to improve relationship outcomes and break the cycle of abuse.