Adult Attachment Patterns and Social Support Processes

Abstract

Explores the links between individual differences in adult attachment and social support processes. Attachment theory and research and the theoretical and empirical links between attachment and social support in adulthood is reviewed. Next, a model of the processes through which attachment may impact upon various aspects of social support is presented. Drawing on this model, the authors describe how we expect each of 4 distinct attachment patterns (secure, preoccupied, avoidant, and fearful patterns) to be associated with social support processes, incorporating case studies to illustrate our hypotheses. Finally, the authors discuss the limitations of their model. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)