Childhood Abuse,Maternal Attachment,and Adult Life Satisfaction: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Iranian Female Population

Abstract

Early caregiving environments play a crucial role in shaping long-term well-being. This study aimed to simultaneously assess the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and less secure attachment to the mother on life satisfaction. In this cross-sectional study, 500 women attending beauty salons in southeastern Iran were invited to anonymously complete a structured questionnaire. In addition to demographic variables, participants were asked about their history of ACEs. Maternal attachment was measured using a validated questionnaire, and self-rated religiosity was also recorded. A total of 470 questionnaires were eligible for analysis. The mean (SD) age of participants was 31.5 (7.4) years. Individuals with a higher level of attachment to their mother were 1.7 times more likely to report being satisfied with life (95% CI: 1.16–2.60). For each one-point increase in the ACE score, the likelihood of life satisfaction decreased by 29% (95% CI: 0.58–0.86), whereas each one-point increase in religiosity was associated with a 1.08-fold higher likelihood of life satisfaction (95% CI: 1.01–1.16). Unfavorable early caregiving environments, particularly ACEs and less secure maternal attachment, are associated with reduced life satisfaction in adulthood. Longitudinal research is needed to further clarify causal pathways and evaluate counseling strategies.