Exploring the Association between Attachment Style, Psychological Well-Being, and Relationship Status in Young Adults and Adults—A Cross-Sectional Study

Summary & key facts

This cross-sectional study looked at 393 Italian adults aged 18–62 (219 in stable close relationships and 174 singles) to see how adult attachment style relates to psychological well‑being. People in stable close relationships reported higher well‑being than singles. Singles more often showed attachment traits of discomfort with closeness, seeing relationships as secondary, and avoidance. For singles, well‑being was moderately higher with a confident attachment style and strongly lower when attachment showed a high need for approval. For people in stable relationships, well‑being was also strongly lower when need for approval was high. Because the study is cross‑sectional, it shows associati

Key facts:

• The study sample had 393 Italian adults aged 18 to 62.
• 219 participants reported having a stable close relationship; 174 participants were identified as single.
• People in stable close relationships reported higher psychological well‑being than singles.
• Compared with people in stable relationships, singles scored higher on attachment traits described as discomfort with closeness, treating relationships as secondary, and avoidance.
• In single people, psychological well‑being was moderately and positively predicted by the attachment style labeled “confidence.”
• In single people, psychological well‑being was strongly and negatively predicted by the attachment style labeled “need for approval.”
• In people with stable close relationships, psychological well‑being was strongly and negatively predicted by the attachment style labeled “need for approval.”
• The study measured well‑being with the Psychological Well‑Being Scale and attachment with the Attachment Style Questionnaire.
• The study was cross‑sectional, so its results show associations and cannot establish that one thing causes another.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to analyze the associations of adult attachment styles with psychological well-being in relation to age groups (young adults vs adults) and relationship status (singleness vs close relationships). Method: The study sample consisted of 393 Italian young adults and adults, aged 18 to 62 years, with stable close relationships (n = 219) or identified in this study as singles (n = 174). The Psychological Well-being Scale was used to analyze psychological well-being, and the Attachment Style Questionnaire was chosen to evaluate adult attachment dimensions. Results: Individuals with stable close relationships reported higher levels of psychological well-being than singles. Furthermore, compared to people with stable close relationships, singles had an attachment style associated with discomfort with closeness, relationships as secondary, and avoidance. Finally, in single people, psychological well-being was moderately and positively predicted by attachment style characterized by confidence but strongly and negatively by attachment characterized by the need for approval. Regarding individuals with stable relationships, psychological well-being was strongly and negatively predicted by attachment style characterized by the need for approval. Conclusions: In adult attachment styles, close relationships can be viewed as a protective factor for long-term emotional stability and psychological well-being.

Topics

Attachment and Relationship Dynamics Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction

Categories

Psychology Social Psychology Social Sciences

Tags

Archaeology Association (psychology) Attachment theory Clinical psychology Closeness Cross-sectional study Developmental psychology History Insecure attachment Mathematical analysis Mathematics Medicine Pathology Psychological well-being Psychology Psychotherapist Style (visual arts) Young adult