Early relationships of adolescents

Evaluation and observation of romantic attachment and risk behavior

Bibliographic Data

ID2937894
AuthorsAmber Letcher (0000-0001-8993-0834, South Dakota State University, corresponding author), Natasha Slesnick (0000-0002-6629-0333, The Ohio State University)
Year2014
Volume31
Issue3
Pages366-383
Publication date2014-05-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Social and Personal Relationships (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0265-4075 • E-ISSN: 1460-3608
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0265407513496368
OpenAlexW2133670465
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited39

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between attachment behavior, substance use, and sexual activity among adolescents in romantic relationships. Concepts from attachment theory have been proposed to explain adolescent risk behavior; however, research on adolescent attachment rarely assesses both members of the couple. A total of 21 adolescent couples (aged 15-18 years) were assessed on self-report and observed measures of romantic attachment, substance use, and sexual activity. Attachment anxiety was related to one's own risk behavior. Self-reported attachment avoidance was also related to one's own and his/her partner's observed attachment behaviors. Given these results, risk prevention/intervention programs targeted toward adolescents may benefit from assessing attachment representations of adolescents, which may be related to participation in risk behavior

Anxiety · Attachment theory · Developmental psychology · Insecure attachment · Intervention (counseling · Psychiatry · Romance · Sexual behavior · Substance use · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Clinical Psychology · Psychology

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