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Loneliness and attachment patterns in young adults
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Early attachment disruptions are linked to increased loneliness in young adults. This study highlights how childhood attachment patterns can significantly impact adult psychological well-being and social behavior.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Loneliness is a widespread issue among young adults.
- Early life experiences, particularly attachment patterns, may influence adult psychological states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between early attachment patterns and the development of loneliness in a college student sample.
- To explore how disrupted early attachments may predict later feelings of loneliness.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 47 young adults in Los Angeles completed an attachment history questionnaire.
- Participants were administered measures of loneliness, including the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale.
- Demographic factors (race, disability, age, SES) were screened.
Main Results:
- Pearson correlations indicated a moderate to strong association between reported loneliness and early disrupted attachment.
- Findings suggest a significant link between attachment history and current feelings of loneliness.
Conclusions:
- The study's results support Bowlby's attachment theory, suggesting that early attachment disorders can impact subsequent psychological development.
- Disrupted early attachment is a potential risk factor for adult loneliness and social behavior issues.
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