Attachment to parents and peers in late adolescence and their relationship with self-image

This paper examines older adolescents' (ages 16-18) perceived levels of attachment to parents and peers and explores their relationship with self-image. Four high school samples were the source of 167 questionnaires. Levels of attachment were measured using the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment, and self-image was assessed using the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire. An ANOVA identified significant gender differences, and a multiple regression was used to measure the relationship between attachment and self-image. It was found that attachment to parents continues to remain strong into late adolescence for males and females. Females had significantly stronger attachment to peers. Males had a significantly higher level of self-image in a variety of areas of functioning. Attachment to parents was found to have a significant relationship with coping aspects of self-image, while peer attachment had a strong effect with self-image particularly in areas that gain prominence during this developmental period, such as body-image, vocational goals, and sexuality attitudes. In examining how institutional groups can enhance attachment relationships, it was found that, especially among females, groups that stress self-expression and self-discovery may enhance attachment relationships and self-image.