Childhood Emotional Neglect On Adult Attachment Style Among Non-Clinical Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Emotional neglect during childhood is a common yet frequently disregarded type of abuse that can have lasting impacts on psychological growth, such as attachment styles in adults. The Aim of the study is to systematically examine the association between childhood emotional neglect and adult attachment styles in non-clinical adult populations. Studies were included if they examined childhood emotions and attachment styles in adulthood within general adult populations, Clinical samples and unrelated findings were excluded. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. After eliminating duplicates, 44 records were assessed, and 22 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and summarized narratively due to the variability in study designs, measures, and statistical methods. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools. Out of the 22 studies, 11 were categorized as low risk and 11 as moderate risk of bias, with no studies identified as high risk. The overall certainty of evidence was determined to be moderate. The review reveals that strong correlation between insecure adult attachment styles in the general population and emotional neglect during childhood. Additionally, attachment has been identified as a key mechanism that connects negative mental health outcomes like depression, distress, and interpersonal issues to childhood neglect.