Perfectionism as a mediator between parent-child interactions and attachment style in adult romantic relationships

This study used structural equation modeling to test adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism as mediating variables in the relationship between parent-child attachment and later adult relationship functioning via adult attachment and satisfaction in romantic relationships. University students completed self-report measures to assess parental attachment, adult attachment, and perfectionism. It was hypothesized that secure parent-child attachment would relate positively to adaptive perfectionism, and subsequently to a secure adult attachment style. Alternatively, insecure parent-child attachment was hypothesized to relate positively to maladaptive perfectionism and subsequently insecure adult attachment style. The relationship between parent-child attachment and adult attachment in romantic relationships was hypothesized to be an indirect one, mediated by perfectionism. Though confirmatory models utilizing the entire sample did not provide an adequate fit for the data, the results of exploratory analyses indicated significant relationships. Exploratory models using the female sample only provided a good fit for the data. Specifically, a model was developed that found support for mother and father autonomy predicting adult attachment and satisfaction in romantic relationships. A second model was developed which included perfectionism as a mediating variable. Parental affiliation (both mother and father) was not an adequate predictor of later adult attachment. Results of this research provide useful directions for future studies by differentiating the role of parental autonomy as it may relate to later adult attachment style, relationship satisfaction, and perfectionism.