The Effects of Attachment Style on Adult Romantic Relationships
The Effects of Attachment Style on Adult Romantic Relationships
Abstract
Individual attachment style and its effects on adult romantic relationships were examined. The hypothesis of this literature review was that insecure attachment style would negatively affect the overall dynamic of adult romantic relationships while secure attachment would promote positive and healthy romantic relationships. Empirical studies looking at attachment style and relationship issues such as one’s views of self and others, communication, sexual intimacy, childhood family dynamic and God were evaluated. Reviews of studies were in line with the hypothesis indicating that insecure attachment does negatively affect the overall dynamic of romantic relationships while secure attachment tended to promote more positive, healthy relationships. However, it was also found that insecure styles are not always stable and can present themselves in various highs and lows. Another new insight was that of differential parental affection and how it can create problems for both siblings whether they were favored or not. Also, the effect God can have as an attachment figure in a person’s life was addressed along with God’s possible ability to change a person’s attachment style from insecure to secure and this affect on relationships. While these were the overall conclusions of the studies researched, more longitudinal examinations need to be done with larger amounts of participants to get true population accuracy and to take into effect life changes that occur long-term. Also, more research is needed to look into the effects of religion on a person’s attachment style and whether a person’s attachment style can actually be changed by a new relationship with God.
The Effects of Attachment Style on Adult Romantic Relationships
Introduction
The ability to form positive, healthy, romantic relationships has been a topic of investigation for many years. Studies have examined the similarities of
Abstract
Individual attachment style and its effects on adult romantic relationships were examined. The hypothesis of this literature review was that insecure attachment style would negatively affect the overall dynamic of adult romantic relationships while secure attachment would promote positive and healthy romantic relationships. Empirical studies looking at attachment style and relationship issues such as one’s views of self and others, communication, sexual intimacy, childhood family dynamic and God were evaluated. Reviews of studies were in line with the hypothesis indicating that insecure attachment does negatively affect the overall dynamic of romantic relationships while secure attachment tended to promote more positive, healthy relationships. However, it was also found that insecure styles are not always stable and can present themselves in various highs and lows. Another new insight was that of differential parental affection and how it can create problems for both siblings whether they were favored or not. Also, the effect God can have as an attachment figure in a person’s life was addressed along with God’s possible ability to change a person’s attachment style from insecure to secure and this affect on relationships. While these were the overall conclusions of the studies researched, more longitudinal examinations need to be done with larger amounts of participants to get true population accuracy and to take into effect life changes that occur long-term. Also, more research is needed to look into the effects of religion on a person’s attachment style and whether a person’s attachment style can actually be changed by a new relationship with God.
The Effects of Attachment Style on Adult Romantic Relationships
Introduction
The ability to form positive, healthy, romantic relationships has been a topic of investigation for many years. Studies have examined the similarities of
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