Types of attachment as predictors of emotional dependence in couples

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between attachment styles and emotional dependence in adulthood. Attachment formed in childhood often continues into adulthood, influencing the quality of adult relationships, especially romantic ones. Insecure attachment between children and parents is linked to negative outcomes in adult relationships, such as poor relationship quality and infidelity. Recent societal changes have added new pressures on individuals and their relationships. Emotional dependence has emerged as a disorder rooted in emotional reliance, emphasizing the need to explore the underlying factors of dependent relationships. The study included 1,383 participants aged 25 to 60 from Quito, Ecuador, who completed online questionnaires on relationship styles and emotional dependency. Differences in gender and age were found in both areas, confirming some findings from earlier studies. Additionally, two independent predictive models were identified: preoccupied attachment explained 25% of the emotional dependence, and fearful attachment explained 14%. These results suggest that individuals with low self-confidence and feelings of unworthiness are more likely to develop emotional dependence. These new insights make an important contribution to the field. The study also suggests intervention areas for clinical and real-life settings to improve well-being based on these findings.