THE ROLE OF ATTACHMENT STYLES IN ADULT RELATIONSHIPS: A REVIEW OF CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH
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Abstract
Attachment theory, initially developed to understand infant-caregiver bonds, has profoundly influenced the study of adult interpersonal relationships. This review synthesizes peer-reviewed research from 2000 to 2025, to examine how attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—shape adult romantic and social relationships. The article explores their impact on relationship satisfaction, emotion regulation, communication patterns, and conflict resolution strategies. Through a critical lens, it evaluates the theoretical and methodological strengths and limitations of contemporary studies, emphasizing the robustness of attachment theory while identifying gaps in measurement precision, cultural applicability, and longitudinal depth. Implications for clinical practice and directions for future research are discussed, advocating for diverse samples and innovative methodologies to advance the field.
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References
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