Abstract

This study explores the relationships between Friendship Intimacy, Romantic Attachment, and Identity Development. Previous studies reveal potential associations between Parental Attachment as an infant and Romantic Attachment as an adult; however, this is the first study to examine Friendship Intimacy and its association with the other factors at hand. It was predicted that Friendship Intimacy and Identity would contribute to the prediction of Romantic Attachment. College students (N = 417) in psychology courses participated in an anonymous online survey for course credit. Romantic Relationship Avoidance was significantly predicted by Identity Exploration, and Romantic Relationship Anxiety was significantly predicted by Peer Attachment and Identity Exploration. Findings also revealed that those in the Achieved Identity status scored significantly higher on Friendship Intimacy than those in the Diffused Identity status. Additional analyses and their theoretical implications are further discussed.

Thesis Completion

2021

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Berman, Steven L.

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

5-1-2021

Included in

Psychology Commons

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