Keywords
Adult attachment
Parenting style
Maldives
Gender
How to Cite
Abstract
Attachment is an intrinsic relational mechanism that influences individuals' perceptions, behaviours, and relationships. Extensive research has consistently linked parenting styles to attachment patterns in adulthood. This study aimed to examine the relationship between parenting styles and romantic attachment in adults and whether gender served as a moderating variable. A total of 146 students (128 females, 18 males) from Maldives National University, aged 18 to 49, who were either married or in a dating relationship completed an online survey assessing parenting styles using the Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) and romantic attachment styles using the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) Scale. Results of correlational analyses revealed that perceived authoritarian parenting had a positive association with attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance, suggesting an insecure attachment pattern. Permissive and authoritative parenting styles negatively correlated with these attachment dimensions, reflecting a secure romantic attachment. Contrary to expectations, gender did not moderate these relationships. The study's limitations include a gender imbalance and a focus on perceived maternal parenting styles only. The results have practical implications for therapeutic interventions, parenting practices, and educational programs aimed at fostering secure attachments. Additionally, they highlight the need for future research to explore other moderating variables and longitudinal effects of parenting on attachment across diverse cultural contexts.
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