To explore relationship between the Adult Attachment Styles, Emotional Regulation, and Alcohol Consumption.

Abstract

This research explores how adult attachment styles relate to patterns of alcohol consumption, drawing on Bowlby’s Attachment Theory. The theory suggests that early emotional bonds with caregivers shape lifelong emotional regulation and relational behaviors. The study hypothesizes that individuals with insecure attachment particularly anxious or avoidant are more likely to engage in maladaptive coping, including excessive alcohol use, to manage emotional distress. Using a quantitative design, the study employed three standardized tools: the Adult Attachment Questionnaire  to assess attachment orientation, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire  to evaluate emotion regulation strategies, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test  to measure alcohol misuse. A total of 107 adults (aged 18–35) participated via an online survey. Results indicated that those with insecure attachment, especially anxiety-driven patterns, reported higher levels of alcohol consumption. Emotion regulation difficulties partially explained this link, suggesting that poor emotional control contributes to substance use. These findings have therapeutic relevance, highlighting the value of integrating attachment-focused and emotion-regulation-based interventions, such as expressive arts therapy, into alcohol misuse treatment. The study supports a holistic model that addresses emotional and relational factors in substance use behavior.