Attachment Style, Ethnic Identity and Health Behaviors
Date
2010-05
Authors
Dziedzic, Adam S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Recent research has explored many risk factors concerning poor health behaviors
and outcomes in adolescent populations. Attachment style encompasses several variables
which have been linked with mental/physical health and health behaviors: social
relationship factors, emotional regulation and coping styles. The current study examines
the relationship between a personality construct (attachment style), health promoting
behaviors and health symptoms in a diverse collegiate sample through a survey design.
Significant differences between secure and preoccupied styles were found with respect to
health promoting behaviors. Individuals with a secure style reported significantly fewer
health symptoms than those with a fearful or preoccupied style. No significant
differences were found between attachment style endorsement and ethnic identity or
between ethnic identity and health promoting behaviors. The present study builds on previous research by examining attachment endorsement and ethnic identity in Hispanics
and seeks to discern a possible developmental link between post-adolescent attachment
styles and health. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Description
Keywords
Attachment behavior, Health behavior, Health, Ethnicity, Emotions, Mind and body
Citation
Dziedzic, A. S. (2010). <i>Attachment style, ethnic identity and health behaviors</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, Texas.