Introduction:

The present study reviews the postulates about the contribution of childhood attachment relationships in the establishment of relationships in adulthood. The objective was to explore the association between the perception of primary bonds established with parental figures and adult attachment styles in young university students.

Method:

A non-experimental, quantitative, exploratory and transversal research was carried out. 247 university students from Quito participated, 41,6 % male and 58,4 % female, between 18 and 25 years of age (M=20,75; SD=2,04). Two instruments validated in Ecuador were used: the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) scale in its Mother and Father versions and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) scale.

Results:

Between the ECR-R and the PBI, significant correlations were recorded only in the Mother version: an inverse one between care and avoidance (r = -0,226; p < 0,001) and another direct one between overprotection with anxiety (r = 0,203; p < 0,001) and with avoidance (r = 0,147; p < 0,05). It was found that the perception of the bond with parental figures, especially with the mother, is associated with adult attachment styles (mother: r = 0,224, p < 0,001; father: r = 0,136, p < 0,033).

Conclusion:

Child care contributes to the establishment of healthy relationships in adulthood, but overprotection does not. The mother has a leading role in this aspect, possibly due to socio-cultural factors, so it is important that the father figure assume a more participatory role.

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