INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DYSFUNCTIONAL ATTITUDES AND ATTACHMENT STYLES IN YOUNG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: Young people go through a critical period of development that involves either building a strong identity and achieving true intimacy or being doomed to isolation and deprived of productivity. Research on mental health in young people focuses generally on the concept of functionality. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between dysfunctional attitudes and attachment styles in young university students in terms of some variables. Material and Method: The study sample consisted of 759 students from the various faculties and departments of a public university. Data were collected using a Short Demographic Information Form, the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale and the Relationship Scales Questionnaire. Results: Participants had the highest and lowest “dismissing attachment” and “preoccupied attachment” scores, respectively, while they had the highest and lowest “autonomous attitude” and “performance evaluation” scores, respectively. Secure attachment styles were correlated with functional attitudes while insecure attachment styles were correlated with dysfunctional attitudes. Conclusion: The higher the secure attachment, the less the need for approval and the more autonomous and flexible attitudes. The results show that early parental attachment styles have a significant impact on functionality in young people. Further research and trainings for parents are needed. Key Words: dysfunctional attitudes, attachment styles, personality, youngs, university students.