Attachment networks in young adults.
Lucia L Carli1, Paolo Alessandro Alì1, Elena Anzelmo1
1Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
Frontiers in Psychology
|February 21, 2024
Summary
Young Italian adults are restructuring their attachment networks, with romantic partners gaining importance while parents remain central. Gender and employment status influence these evolving social bonds.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Attachment networks are crucial for understanding social support and development in young adulthood.
- Previous research has primarily focused on adolescent attachment, leaving a gap in understanding young adult networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structure of attachment networks in Italian young adults.
- To examine the influence of demographic factors (gender, romantic status, employment) on these networks.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 405 Italian young adults completed the WHO-TO questionnaire.
- Attachment network data were analyzed using mixed ANOVAs, linear, and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Romantic partners are increasingly relevant, though parents (especially mothers) remain central for secure base functions.
- Women reported stronger maternal bonds; men valued friendships more.
- Long-term romantic relationships (>24 months) showed fully developed attachment bonds.
- Employment status influenced the transfer of attachment functions from family to external figures.
Conclusions:
- Young Italian adults undergo significant restructuring of attachment networks during this life stage.
- Consolidation of romantic relationships and work commitments are key drivers of these changes.
Keywords:
attachment functionsattachment networkattachment strengthfull-blown attachmentprimary figureyoung adultsMore Related Videos
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