Abstract

The Role of Attachment Styles and Resilience on Loneliness

Author(s):Shahla Pakdaman, Seyed Hassan Saadat, Shima Shahyad, Khodabakhsh Ahmadi and Milad Hosseinialhashemi

This study investigated the relationship attachment styles and resilience have with loneliness in students. In this correlational study conducted in 2011, 200 students (132 women and 66 men) were selected through multistage cluster sampling. Data was collected through questionnaires concerning attachment styles, resilience, and loneliness. Data was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, regression analyses, and independent t-tests. Regression analyses showed that ambivalent and avoidant attachment styles are positive predictors of emotional loneliness; the ambivalent style of attachment is the strongest predictor of emotional loneliness. Resilience is a significant negative predictor of loneliness due to communication with family, friends, and emotional symptoms associated with feelings of loneliness. Moreover, t-test results showed a significant difference between men and women in that male students reported more family loneliness and emotional symptoms associated with feelings of loneliness than females. The findings of this study highlight the fact that providing the conditions and context necessary for secure attachments and increased resilience can be effective in reducing loneliness in students.

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