Witnessed Betrayal Trauma, Anticipatory Mistrust and Adult Attachment Pattern in Young Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the relationship in witnessed betrayal trauma, anticipatory mistrust and adult attachment patterns in university students. The sample comprised of 100 students from various universities with ages ranging between 18-25 (M= 21.14, S. D= 1.71). A correlational design was used and data was collected using purposive sampling. Participants completed a socio-demographic sheet, Betrayal Response Scale, Two-Dimensional Interpersonal Trust Scale and Short Form of Attachment Style Questionnaire. Results revealed that witnessed betrayal had significant positive relationship with attachment patterns and a negative relationship with trust dimensions and confidence in interactions. Other focused trust showed a positive relationship with discomfort to closeness, secondary relationships and confidence in interactions. While propensity to trust also had the same positive relation but was negatively related to avoidant attachment. Trust dimensions significantly predicted attachment patterns and partially mediated witnessed betrayal’s relationships with anxious and avoidant attachment, discomfort with closeness, secondary relationships, and need for approval. However, no mediation was found for preoccupation with relationships or confidence in interaction. Overall, these results suggest that trust plays an important role in relating witnessed betrayal with attachment patterns.