LE3 .A278 2020

2020

Holmberg, Diane

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Psychology

Psychology

Attachment styles (i.e., affectionate relational bonds) are linked with affectionate touch use, such that avoidantly attached adults (i.e., adults who are uncomfortable with relational closeness) use affectionate touch minimally and the link between attachment avoidance and relational, physical, and psychological well-being, is often negative. However, other research suggests that avoidantly attached adults may benefit from affectionate touch if it is received. Since most previous research has failed to assess different components of affectionate touch, the present thesis analyzed whether avoidant attachment predicts desire for, comfort with , and frequency of affectionate touch between romantic partners, and investigated whether attachment avoidance serves as a moderator in the relationships between affectionate touch and well-being. To investigate these associations, 1606 participants were recruited to complete an online survey, wherein they reported on their attachment style and use of affectionate touch with their romantic partner. Multi-level modelling and regression were used for data analysis, with context (public/private) and relationship type (mixed/same-sex/gender-diverse) serving as further moderators. As predicted, attachment avoidance was significantly associated with lesser desire, comfort, and frequency of touch, with context and relationship types serving as moderators in some analyses. Furthermore, frequency of affectionate touch was positively associated with relational well-being and was moderated by attachment avoidance, but was not significantly associated with physical or psychological well-being. Interestingly, relationship type did not interact with attachment avoidance, which suggests that the role of attachment avoidance does not differ between relationships.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3363