ATTACHMENT IN YOUNG ADULTS: EXPLORING PREDICTORS, CORRELATES AND OUTCOMES IN A MULTIGENERATIONAL BIRTH COHORT STUDY

Abstract

Background: The relevance of attachment theory can be observed across the life course with respect to interpersonal relationships, mental health and wideranging other outcomes, although few studies examine these associations longitudinally. Objectives: To longitudinally examine associations with attachment in early adulthood, including predictors in childhood and adolescence, and outcomes later in adulthood. Methods: Some 3500 offspring and their mothers participating in the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy were followed-up from birth to 30 years of age. Offspring completed a measure of attachment at 21 years. This talk brings together the findings from several papers that examine associations between attachment in early adulthood and aspects of psychopathology, interpersonal relationships and life satisfaction across the life course. Findings: Attachment correlates moderately to strongly with attachment domains in early adulthood. Internalising symptoms in adolescence is associated with decreased attachment security in early adulthood, while attachment anxiety contributes to the persistence of anxiety and depressive symptoms from adolescence to early adulthood. Maternal and offspring social and familial relationships, and experiences of attuned parenting in childhood and adolescence, predict offspring attachment security in early adulthood. This attachment security, in turn, predicts greater life satisfaction 10 years later at age 30 years, irrespective of levels of attachment insecurity (anxiety and avoidance). Conclusions: Attachment plays an important role in mental health, interpersonal relationships and life satisfaction across the life course. Addressing attachment issues may be an important aspect of treating anxiety and depression symptoms across the life course, but particularly in reducing the persistence of these symptoms in adolescence.