This study examines adult romantic attachment among university students, focusing on attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design was used, involving 50 students aged 18 to 28 years. Data were collected through an online questionnaire using the 12-item Experiences in Close Relationships?Short Form (ECR-S). The results showed moderate attachment anxiety (M = 3.78, SD = 1.03) and low-to-moderate attachment avoidance (M = 3.16, SD = 0.90). A weak positive correlation was observed between the two dimensions (r = .16, p = .264), but the relationship was not statistically significant. Exploratory analysis identified a statistically significant difference in attachment avoidance across years of study, while the observed gender difference in attachment anxiety was not statistically significant. These demographic findings require cautious interpretation because of the small subgroup sizes. Overall, participants reported greater concern about rejection than discomfort with emotional closeness. The findings support examining attachment anxiety and avoidance as distinct dimensions of romantic attachment. However, the small convenience sample, reliance on self-reported responses, and cross-sectional design limit the generalisability of the results. Further research involving larger and more diverse student populations is recommended to examine attachment patterns and their relationship with demographic and interpersonal factors.
This study examined the influence of attachment style on fear of intimacy among emerging adults aged 18–25 years. A quantitative approach involved 152 participants who were currently or had previously been in romantic relationships, recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Experiences in Close Relationships–Revised (ECR-R) and Fear of Intimacy Scale (FIS). Linear regression analysis showed that insecure attachment significantly predicted fear of intimacy (β = 0.570, p < .001). Both attachment avoidance (β = 0.432, p < .001) and attachment anxiety (β = 0.368, p < .001) were significant predictors, with avoidance showing a stronger association. These findings suggest that discomfort with emotional closeness and anxiety in romantic relationships are associated with greater fear of intimacy. The results highlight the potential value of psychological interventions that support emerging adults in developing safer and healthier romantic relationships.
This study aimed to examine the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attachment styles among older adults exposed to traumatic events. A descriptive–correlational design was employed using a stratified random sample of 534 participants from Irbid Governorate, Jordan. The study makes three key contributions to the literature by addressing the underrepresentation of elderly populations in trauma research, particularly within non-Western and Arab contexts. Data were collected using validated measures of PTSD and attachment styles. The findings indicated that PTSD symptoms and attachment styles were present at moderate levels. Anxious attachment was the most prevalent style, followed by avoidant and secure attachment. Correlation analysis revealed that secure attachment was negatively associated with PTSD, whereas anxious and avoidant attachment styles showed significant positive associations with PTSD symptoms. These findings highlight the dual role of attachment styles as both protective and risk factors in trauma-related outcomes. The results underscore the importance of developing culturally sensitive interventions that enhance secure attachment, strengthen social support, and improve emotional regulation among older adults. The study provides valuable cross-cultural evidence that contributes to the global understanding of PTSD and attachment processes in later life
هدف این پژوهش بررسی رابطه بین اختلال استرس پس از سانحه (PTSD) و سبک‌های دلبستگی در سالمندانی بود که در معرض رویدادهای آسیب‌زا قرار گرفته‌اند. این مطالعه با طرح توصیفی-همبستگی و با استفاده از نمونه‌گیری تصادفی طبقه‌ای بر روی ۵۳۴ شرکت‌کننده از استان اربد، اردن انجام شد. پژوهش حاضر سه سهم کلیدی در ادبیات علمی دارد: پرداختن به کم‌نمایی جمعیت سالمندان در پژوهش‌های تروما، به‌ویژه در زمینه‌های غیرغربی و عربی. داده‌ها با استفاده از ابزارهای معتبر سنجش PTSD و سبک‌های دلبستگی گردآوری شد. یافته‌ها نشان داد که علائم PTSD و سبک‌های دلبستگی در سطح متوسطی قرار دارند. سبک دلبستگی اضطرابی شایع‌ترین سبک بود و پس از آن سبک اجتنابی و سبک ایمن قرار داشتند. تحلیل همبستگی نشان داد که دلبستگی ایمن با PTSD رابطه منفی دارد، در حالی که سبک‌های دلبستگی اضطرابی و اجتنابی با علائم PTSD ارتباط مثبت معناداری نشان دادند. این یافته‌ها نقش دوگانه سبک‌های دلبستگی را به‌عنوان عوامل محافظتی و خطر در پیامدهای مرتبط با تروما برجسته می‌کند. نتایج بر اهمیت توسعه مداخلات حساس به فرهنگ که دلبستگی ایمن را تقویت می‌کند، حمایت اجتماعی را افزایش می‌دهد و تنظیم هیجانی را در سالمندان بهبود می‌بخشد، تأکید دارد. این پژوهش شواهد ارزشمند بین‌فرهنگی ارائه می‌دهد که به درک جهانی فرآیندهای PTSD و دلبستگی در دوران سالمندی کمک می‌کند.
