Interrelation of Attachment and Coping Behavior In Adults

Attachment as the ability to form long-term close relationships provides protection and support at all ages, frees from anxiety and tension, and directly affects well-being and health. This study explored the relations between attachment and coping styles and hardiness in adults. The participants — 127 adults aged 18—77 — filled out the Relationships Questionnaire (Bartholomew, Horowitz, 1998), Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire (Fraley, Waller, Brennan, 2000), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (Endler, Parker, 1990), and Hardiness Survey (Leontiev, Rasskazova, 2006; based on Maddi’s Personal Views Survey). The results showed that securely attached adults used coping aimed at problem solving and avoiding anxious thoughts less frequently. Fearful attachment style was related to the reduction of effort to change the situation, it increased the feeling of helplessness and disregard of vigorous activity. As for individuals with avoidant attachment anxiety they experienced in close relationships increased the feelings of rejection and the disposition to security.