The Relationships Among Mothers’ Childhood Attachment to Parents, Marital Satisfaction, and Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

This study examined the pathways from mothers' childhood attachment to parents to psychological well-being. In addition, the mediating role of marital satisfaction on the relationship between childhood attachment to parents and psychological well-being was investigated. Methods: A total of 294 mothers with preschool-aged children responded to questionnaires regarding childhood attachment to parents, marital satisfaction, and psychological well-being. The data were analyzed using SEM. Results: Mothers' childhood attachment to their mothers had a direct effect on psychological wellbeing and an indirect effect on psychological well-being through marital satisfaction. That is, mothers who had secure childhood attachment to their mothers showed a high level of psychological well-being. In addition, mothers with secure childhood attachment to their mothers tended to be more satisfied with their marriage, which led to higher levels of psychological wellbeing. However, mothers' childhood attachment to their fathers did not have significant effects on either their marital satisfaction or psychological well-being. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of mothers' positive relationships with their mothers and husbands in promoting psychological well-being.