The role of romantic relationship quality in adulthood: Moderating effects on the long-term impact of childhood abuse and neglect on somatic and mental complaints

Background Childhood maltreatment is a risk factor for detrimental health outcomes in adulthood. However, less is known about whether the quality of adult romantic relationships may buffer or exacerbate these long-term associations. Objective To examine whether qualitative aspects of current romantic relationships moderate the associations between childhood abuse and neglect and adult somatic/mental complaints. Participants and setting The Quality of Relationship Inventory (QRI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Von Zerssen complaints list were answered by a large, population-representative sample ( N = 1494, 50.8% women). Participants' age ranged from 18 to 89 years ( M = 52, SD = 15.27). Methods Analyses were conducted via correlations and multiple linear regression models, including potential confounders (gender, age, relationship duration). Results Abuse and neglect were associated with more complaints in adulthood. Greater relationship support attenuated these associations. Greater relational depth was associated with a stronger positive association between childhood maltreatment and adult complaints. Relationship conflict did not moderate the associations between childhood maltreatment and adult complaints. Conclusions Relationship quality is a meaningful context in which the long-term correlates of childhood maltreatment unfold. Supportive versus potentially dysregulating forms of closeness should be distinguished in subsequent longitudinal research, prevention efforts, and clinical approaches/counseling.