Attachment Anxiety, Attachment Avoidance, and Relationship Satisfaction as Predictors of Perceived Stress among Young Adults

Abstract

The following study examined the possible relationship between the two types of attachment (attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance), relationship satisfaction, and perceived stress in young adults. A sample size of 200 was recruited through convenience sampling, and the data were collected via Google Forms. Individuals aged 18-30 were asked to participate with their consent. All the participants were debriefed about the purpose of the study and regarding the confidentiality of their responses, along with their right to withdraw at any moment. The study encompasses four major variables to be measured, which are: Attachment Anxiety, Attachment Avoidance, Relationship Satisfaction, and Perceived Stress.  The Attachment variables (Anxious and Avoidant) were assessed using the Experiences in Close Relationships- Revised (ECR-R), Relationship Satisfaction was assessed by the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS), and Perceived Stress was assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was statistically applied to explore the possible associations between the variables. Hypothetical results indicated that both Attachment Anxiety and Attachment Avoidance were positively correlated with Perceived Stress. On the other hand, Relationship Satisfaction was negatively correlated with Perceived Stress. The final findings postulate that the patterns of anxious attachment and lower levels of relationship satisfaction might be associated with higher perceived stress in young adults.