Attachment Style as a Mediator Between Childhood Maltreatment and Thought Suppression in Black Women

Childhood maltreatment (CM) is a pervasive issue for Black women. Thought suppression is often used to cope with trauma but can worsen trauma-related thoughts and psychopathology. While CM is linked to increased thought suppression, little research has explored underlying factors. This study examined adult attachment styles as mediators between CM and thought suppression among 429 Black women. Parallel mediation analyses indicated increased anxious, but not avoidant, attachment mediated the link between CM types (emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, emotional neglect) and increased thought suppression. Interventions promoting secure attachment and healthy coping may help anxiously attached Black women with CM histories.