Abstract

In an extension of research on attachment styles formed in early childhood, the present study examines how adult attachment style affects the relationships of college students and the stress students experience. Male and female students between the ages of 18 and 23 at the College of Wooster (n = 202) were recruited to respond to three questionnaires. An adult attachment scale (ECR) was used to measure the distribution of attachment styles in college students and correlated with questions measuring satisfaction within romantic relationships. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to measure the degree to which situations in one's life are appraised as stressful. Participants were also asked to self-report their attachment style in a relationship as being Secure, Anxious, Avoidant, or Insecure-Fearful. Based on the questionnaires, participant’s scores were analyzed to find relationships between their attachment style and stress levels within their current relationship. The results indicated that college student participants were more likely to report their attachment style as Secure if they were involved in a local relationship. It was also found that high Avoidant attachment was positively correlated with perceived stress scores. In addition, ANOVA procedures revealed that participants not in a relationship were significantly lower in Avoidance scores and significantly higher in Anxiety scores than those who were in a Local or Long-Distance relationship.

Advisor

Casey, Michael

Department

Psychology

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology

Keywords

Attachment, Stress, Romantic Relationships

Publication Date

2024

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

Download

Share

COinS
 

© Copyright 2024 Emma Connors