This archive report was first published on 27 July 2021.
Unresolved childhood issues can have a lasting impact on our adult relationships, a recent study by Baylor University suggests.
Steve, a man in his mid-40s, reached out to us for help after struggling to keep a woman in his life. Despite being financially sound and well-cultured, he couldn't seem to understand why the women he dated always left him.
He attributed his lack of success in relationships to being 'not affectionate' and 'selfish', but a study on oxytoxin hormone, also known as the 'love hormone', shed new light on the issue.
Research shows that children of divorced parents, like Steve, may produce lower levels of oxytoxin hormone in adulthood, leading to lower levels of confidence, discomfort with closeness, and insecurity in relationships.
These qualities can extend into parenting style, making it difficult for adults to form and maintain healthy relationships.
Steve's story is a testament to the lasting impact of childhood trauma on our adult lives. With newfound self-awareness, he's taking steps to address his issues and work on being more affectionate and caring in his relationships.
His story serves as a reminder that we're all 'walking wounded animals', and that recognizing our childhood wounds is the first step towards breaking the cycle.
