Parents' Disclosure Intentions in Donor‐Conceived Families: Integrating Attachment Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour

ABSTRACT Objective This study tested an integrated model combining attachment theory and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to examine how parents' interpersonal functioning relates to socio‐cognitive factors linked to intentions to disclose donor conception to their child. Background Although early disclosure of donor conception is associated with positive psychological outcomes for donor‐conceived offspring and overall family relations, disclosure practices vary among heterosexual parents. Emotional, relational and socio‐cognitive factors are known to influence decisions; however, these factors have not been examined within a comprehensive framework. Additionally, limited data regarding the Italian context–with its distinctive legal and cultural backdrop surrounding gamete donation–are currently available. Method One hundred and fifty‐nine heterosexual Italian parents who conceived through gamete donation completed an anonymous survey. Standardised measures included the TPB–Disclosure Questionnaire, the Experiences in Close Relationships–Revised, and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Path analysis was conducted to test the hypothesised model. Results Attachment anxiety was indirectly associated with lower disclosure intentions through more negative attitudes toward disclosure. Dyadic adjustment was positively associated with subjective norms. Attitudes and subjective norms, but not perceived behavioural control, were significantly associated with intentions to disclose. Conclusion Findings highlight the importance of individual relational patterns and couple dynamics in shaping parents' cognitive evaluations and intentions regarding openness about donor conception. Implications Interventions to promote disclosure may benefit from targeting attachment‐related relational functioning, strengthening couple communication and fostering supportive attitudes and subjective norms around openness. Contextual and sociocultural implications are discussed.