Attachment Styles and Communication Quality- Its Correlation and Effects
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
English
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Esther Malm, PhD
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Attachment Styles and Communication Quality- Its Correlation and Effects
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between attachment styles and communication quality. Our study uses Bartholomew and Horowitz developed four-category adult attachment model, consisting of secure, preoccupied, dismissing, and fearful, which is organized around individuals’ views of themselves and others. For our purposes, communication quality is defined as the ability to express and maintain appropriate closeness to a partner or loved one. There is growing research indicating that attachment styles are predictors of communication quality in relationships. Previous research has shown that insecure attachment styles are associated with negative communication within relationships, while secure attachment is associated with positive communication quality. We are proposing three hypotheses: 1) Adult attachment styles will correlate with communication quality in romantic relationships, positively for secure attachment and negatively for insecure attachment. 2) Adult attachment styles will correlate with communication quality in parental relationships, positively for secure attachment and negatively for insecure attachment. 3) Adult attachment styles will correlate with communication quality in platonic friendships, positively for secure attachment and negatively for insecure attachment. The findings will contribute to existing literature while addressing certain gaps. Data collection is still in process, and our current sample size is 82. The sample size is made up of Murray State students who are participating using Murray State’s digital platform, SONA. The results of this study will be useful in understanding why certain college students struggle with communication quality. Findings will be presented at Murray State University’s Scholars Week, with our current data, although data collection is still ongoing.
Keywords: Attachment styles, communication quality, romantic relationships, parental relationships, and platonic relationships.
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Attachment Styles and Communication Quality- Its Correlation and Effects
Attachment Styles and Communication Quality- Its Correlation and Effects
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between attachment styles and communication quality. Our study uses Bartholomew and Horowitz developed four-category adult attachment model, consisting of secure, preoccupied, dismissing, and fearful, which is organized around individuals’ views of themselves and others. For our purposes, communication quality is defined as the ability to express and maintain appropriate closeness to a partner or loved one. There is growing research indicating that attachment styles are predictors of communication quality in relationships. Previous research has shown that insecure attachment styles are associated with negative communication within relationships, while secure attachment is associated with positive communication quality. We are proposing three hypotheses: 1) Adult attachment styles will correlate with communication quality in romantic relationships, positively for secure attachment and negatively for insecure attachment. 2) Adult attachment styles will correlate with communication quality in parental relationships, positively for secure attachment and negatively for insecure attachment. 3) Adult attachment styles will correlate with communication quality in platonic friendships, positively for secure attachment and negatively for insecure attachment. The findings will contribute to existing literature while addressing certain gaps. Data collection is still in process, and our current sample size is 82. The sample size is made up of Murray State students who are participating using Murray State’s digital platform, SONA. The results of this study will be useful in understanding why certain college students struggle with communication quality. Findings will be presented at Murray State University’s Scholars Week, with our current data, although data collection is still ongoing.
Keywords: Attachment styles, communication quality, romantic relationships, parental relationships, and platonic relationships.