Childhood maltreatment is a strong risk factor for increased alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. One possible explanation for these associations is the influence of dysfunctional attachment styles and interpersonal problems in adulthood. Individuals who have experienced childhood maltreatment are likely to develop maladaptive interpersonal styles due to insecure attachment. Maladaptive interpersonal styles may increase emotional distress, which in turn, can make these individuals vulnerable to alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. Using data from 508 undergraduate students, this study examined the associations between three types of childhood maltreatment (i.e., sexual abuse, punishment that included physical abuse, and a negative home atmosphere that included neglect), alcohol use, and alcohol-related problems via insecure attachment and interpersonal problems. The results showed that punishment predicted alcohol problems via avoidant attachment and selfish interpersonal style. Sexual abuse and negative home atmosphere predicted alcohol consumption through anxious attachment and selfless interpersonal style. In addition, sexual abuse directly predicted alcohol problems. These findings provide new insights for the field of childhood maltreatment and addiction literature.

童年时期的虐待是增加饮酒和酒精相关问题的重要危险因素。这些关联的一种可能解释是功能障碍的依恋风格和成年后的人际关系问题的影响。经历过儿童期虐待的个体由于不安全的依恋而可能发展出适应不良的人际关系风格。适应不良的人际交往风格可能会增加情绪困扰，进而使这些人容易遭受饮酒和与酒精有关的问题。该研究使用来自508名本科生的数据，研究了三种儿童期虐待（即性虐待，包括身体虐待在内的惩罚和包括忽视在内的负面家庭氛围），酗酒，与不安全的依恋和人际交往相关的酒精相关问题。结果表明，惩罚通过回避依恋和自私的人际交往方式预测了酗酒问题。性虐待和负面的家庭氛围通过焦虑的依恋和无私的人际交往方式预测了饮酒量。此外，性虐待直接预测了酗酒问题。这些发现为儿童虐待和成瘾文献领域提供了新的见解。