Abstract

Past research suggests that adoptees face a higher risk of insecure attachment and encounter more challenges related to trust and commitment in their romantic relationships compared to nonadopted individuals. This study examines the association between adoption status and marital security among newly married couples, with a focus on the potential moderating role of gender. Using data from a representative sample of newly married couples in the United States (n = 2,110), the relationship between adoption status and multiple measures of marital security were measured using OLS regression. Findings indicate that, during the early stages of marriage, adult adoptees exhibited comparable levels of both avoidant and anxious attachment, trust, and commitment to nonadoptees. Furthermore, gender differences in attachment patterns were observed among nonadopted individuals, with nonadopted females showing significantly lower levels of avoidant attachment and significantly higher levels of anxious attachment compared to nonadopted males. Interestingly, these gender differences were not significant among adoptees, suggesting that adoption status potentially attenuates gender-related differences in attachment.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

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