Examining the relationship between attachment styles and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among young adults
Attachment styles are fundamental patterns that develop from infancy and influence individuals’ interpersonal relationships, emotion regulation processes, and psychological adjustment throughout their lives. Particularly among university-aged young adults, attachment styles are considered to be closely associated with processes such as gaining autonomy, future planning, forming romantic relationships, and coping with stress. The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between attachment styles and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in young adults. The study was conducted using a correlational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. The study group consisted of 488 young adults aged between 18 and 24 years. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Relationships Scales Questionnaire, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales–21 (DASS-21). In data analysis, independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation, and regression analyses were applied, and the analyses were conducted using the JAMOVI program. According to the findings of the study, levels of depression, anxiety, and stress did not differ significantly by gender or relationship status. In contrast, perceived parental attitudes were found to show a significant difference in levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Pearson correlation and regression analyses revealed significant positive relationships between attachment styles and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, and showed that insecure attachment styles significantly predicted the total scores of depressions, anxiety, and stress. In addition, in the distribution of attachment styles by according to gender and relationship status, dismissing and fearful attachment styles were found to be prominent. The findings indicate that attachment styles and parental attitudes play an important role in the mental health of young adults and point to the importance of preventive and developmental psychosocial interventions in this field.
Keywords: Attachment styles, Depression, Anxiety, Stress
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