Childhood Attachment Patterns and Romantic Relationship Quality in Young Adults in Lagos State

This study investigates the relationship between childhood attachment patterns and romantic relationship quality in young adults in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. Attachment theory proposes that internal working models formed in early childhood relationships with primary caregivers serve as templates for close relationships throughout life, including romantic partnerships. Despite the theory's extensive application in Western contexts, empirical examination within Nigerian adult populations remains limited. This research employed a cross-sectional correlational design involving 380 adults aged 18 to 35 years recruited from three tertiary institutions in Lagos. The Experiences in Close Relationships Scale-Revised was used to assess adult attachment style, while romantic relationship quality was measured using the Couples Satisfaction Index. Retrospective childhood attachment data were gathered using the Parental Bonding Instrument. Canonical correlation and structural regression analyses were applied. Results indicate that secure attachment style significantly predicts higher romantic satisfaction, commitment, and conflict resolution quality. Anxious attachment was associated with partner-directed jealousy and emotional reactivity, while avoidant attachment predicted emotional withdrawal and lower intimacy. Parental warmth scores in childhood were the strongest retrospective predictors of secure adult attachment. The study provides original empirical contribution to attachment research in Nigerian populations and recommends that relationship education programmes at Lagos universities address attachment awareness as a component of interpersonal skills development. Keywords: attachment patterns, romantic relationships, young adults, Lagos State, attachment theory.