Premium
Attachment Development in Adolescent Romantic Relationships: A Conceptual Model
Author(s) -
JorgensenWells McKell A.,
James Spencer L.,
Holmes Erin Kramer
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of family theory and review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.454
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1756-2589
pISSN - 1756-2570
DOI - 10.1111/jftr.12409
Subject(s) - romance , affection , psychology , context (archaeology) , attachment theory , developmental psychology , adolescent development , social psychology , conceptual framework , sociology , psychoanalysis , paleontology , social science , biology
Romantic relationships provide a meaningful context from which individuals can develop attachment security and find fulfillment for their emotional and physical attachment needs. The process for developing attachment security in adolescent romantic relationships is not well documented. A new model is proposed outlining the context and processes wherein adolescent romantic attachment security can develop. The contextual role of one's family of origin, cognitive development, and romantic competency is noted. Within this context, it is hypothesized that the relational processes of physical affection and emotional disclosure interact as direct influences on the development of attachment security. These facets of the conceptual model are outlined in light of the current literature on both attachment and adolescent romantic relationships. It is concluded that adolescent romantic attachment warrants further study, as adolescent romantic relationships have strong implications for future relationships.