The Effect of Early Traumatic Experiences on Attachment Styles in Sexual Gender Minority Individuals

Abstract

Purpose This study was carried out to specify the attachment characteristics of sexual gender minority individuals and to determine the effects of childhood traumatic experiences on attachment styles. Design and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 141 sexual gender minority individuals from 2016 to 2017. Findings The number of childhood physical and sexual trauma episodes was found to be high in sexual minorities; in particular, the traumatized narratives were found to be associated with an avoidant attachment style (p > 0.05). Practice Implications The study results may contribute to healthcare professionals' understanding of childhood trauma as it relates to sexual identity development and attachment disorders sexual identity development and attachment disorders.