Perceptions of early attachment experiences and quality of romantic relationships among Greek adults

Early experiences with caregivers play a crucial role in shaping individual’s relational functioning, particularly in romantic relationships. This study focuses on the association between early attachment experiences with the mother and the quality of adult romantic relationships. The sample consisted of 400 adults aged 18 to 67 who completed the Perceptions of Adult Attachment Questionnaire and the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory–Revised. The findings showed significant gender and age differences; women reported higher levels of avoidance, vulnerability, and forgiveness concering early maternal attachment experiences, while men reported higher levels of criticism. Emerging adults reported higher levels of anxious attachment in their romantic relationships and recalled fewer early experiences of maternal love. Furthermore, early maternal experiences characterized by love, and lower levels of rejection, criticism, and vulnerability were significantly related to avoidant attachment styles in adulthood. In contrast, early attachment experiences characterized by vulnerability, reverse of roles, and lack of maternal care—particularly when recalled with anger—were associated to higher levels of anxious attachment in adult romantic relationships. These findings are of high importance for research and theory in the field of interpersonal relationships. They are also crucial for the development of targeted psychological interventions for new parents, couples, and young adults seeking support to face romantic relationship challenges and process early relational experiences.