Attachment and Peer Relationships
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Sociology
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Psychology
2nd Student Minor
Social Work
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Esther Malm
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Attachment and Peer Relationships
Emerging adulthood is defined as the social-developmental stage between adolescence and adulthood, with an age range of 18-29. This stage notes the start of significant life changes and added responsibilities that impact personal relationships and overall welfare. The relationships formed in emerging adulthood are often shaped before individuals reach this stage. This includes relationship satisfaction in both romantic and platonic settings, as well as the cohesiveness of social circles. In emerging adulthood, these social relationships shape one’s well-being. The strength of early parental relationships has long been recognized as one of the most influential factors of development. When entering emerging adulthood, social and peer relationships gain more importance. Additional factors of interest include personality and self-esteem as existing research findings have linked them to social relationships. This study intends to synthesize data on these variables to interpret their relationships. With the findings, research will be able to provide further context and evidence for the effects of predicting factors on peer relationships. Knowledge of the stated variables’ impact on each other will allow us to encapsulate the significance of each construct. Therefore, found implications could allow researchers to suggest potential interventions to address variables such a self-esteem or early parental attachment to increase well-being during emerging adulthood. There are three hypotheses in the current study that state (1) individuals with strong parental relationships are more likely to have stronger, more long-lasting relationships in emerging adulthood. (2) Individuals who report strong parental bonds will cultivate cohesive social circles, with personality type serving as a mediating variable. (3) Individuals with higher self-esteem will report higher levels of satisfaction in both platonic and romantic relationships in emerging adulthood. There is ongoing data collection (with 85 participants so far) through a survey offered to Murray State University students to find patterns between the highlighted variables. This study has been approved by the IRB, and the results of the current data will be presented at scholars week.
Key words: Attachment, Peer Relationships, Self-Esteem, Personality, Relationship Satisfaction, Group Cohesion, Relationship Strength
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Attachment and Peer Relationships
Attachment and Peer Relationships
Emerging adulthood is defined as the social-developmental stage between adolescence and adulthood, with an age range of 18-29. This stage notes the start of significant life changes and added responsibilities that impact personal relationships and overall welfare. The relationships formed in emerging adulthood are often shaped before individuals reach this stage. This includes relationship satisfaction in both romantic and platonic settings, as well as the cohesiveness of social circles. In emerging adulthood, these social relationships shape one’s well-being. The strength of early parental relationships has long been recognized as one of the most influential factors of development. When entering emerging adulthood, social and peer relationships gain more importance. Additional factors of interest include personality and self-esteem as existing research findings have linked them to social relationships. This study intends to synthesize data on these variables to interpret their relationships. With the findings, research will be able to provide further context and evidence for the effects of predicting factors on peer relationships. Knowledge of the stated variables’ impact on each other will allow us to encapsulate the significance of each construct. Therefore, found implications could allow researchers to suggest potential interventions to address variables such a self-esteem or early parental attachment to increase well-being during emerging adulthood. There are three hypotheses in the current study that state (1) individuals with strong parental relationships are more likely to have stronger, more long-lasting relationships in emerging adulthood. (2) Individuals who report strong parental bonds will cultivate cohesive social circles, with personality type serving as a mediating variable. (3) Individuals with higher self-esteem will report higher levels of satisfaction in both platonic and romantic relationships in emerging adulthood. There is ongoing data collection (with 85 participants so far) through a survey offered to Murray State University students to find patterns between the highlighted variables. This study has been approved by the IRB, and the results of the current data will be presented at scholars week.
Key words: Attachment, Peer Relationships, Self-Esteem, Personality, Relationship Satisfaction, Group Cohesion, Relationship Strength