Childhood family attachment and physical abuse: the moderating role of gender

Childhood physical abuse has lasting implications for individual well-being, yet empirical evidence on protective family factors and their gendered effects during emerging adulthood remains limited. This study offers novel insight by examining gender as a moderating factor in the relationship between childhood family attachment and childhood physical abuse among emerging adults. The objective of this study is to assess whether stronger childhood family attachment reduces experiences of childhood physical abuse and to determine whether this protective effect differs by gender. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire distributed to university students through academic networks, with lecturers assisting in disseminating the survey to their students. A total of 416 responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression-based moderation analysis. The findings indicate that childhood family attachment is significantly and negatively associated with childhood physical abuse, confirming its protective role. Gender is found to be a significant predictor and moderator, with results showing that the buffering effect of childhood family attachment against physical abuse is stronger for males than for females. From a policy perspective, the results emphasise the need for attachment-based and gender-sensitive family interventions. Policies should prioritise strengthening parent-child relationships, promoting non-violent disciplinary practices, and incorporating gender-responsive approaches in child protection and parenting programmes to prevent childhood physical abuse effectively.