Recollections of parent characteristics and attachment patterns for college women of intact vs. non-intact families

This study contrasted offsprings’ attachment patterns and recollections of parent characteristics in two college samples: 147 females from intact biological parents and 157 females of parental divorce. Secure females from intact or non-intact families rated parents positively, while insecure females rated parents as absent, distant, and demanding. In contrast to females from intact families, females of parental divorce reported a less secure attachment, lower self-esteem, a greater fearful avoidance pattern, and rated their biological fathers and mothers more negatively.