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Adult Attachment Styles, Perceived Social Support and Coping Strategies

State University of New York at Buffalo, togniben{at}nova.psy.du.edu

Nancy L. Collins

State University of New York at Buffalo, ncollins{at}acsu.buffalo.edu

The relations between adult attachment styles, perceived social support and the use of various coping strategies was examined in a sample of young adults (N = 81). Participants completed measures of adult attachment style, perceived social support from friends and family, and a modified version of the Ways of Coping scale. In addition, participants rated the coping strategies they would most likely use in response to a series of hypothetical vignettes describing social- and achievement-related stressors. Results indicated that secure individuals perceived more available support from friends and family, and sought more social support in response to stress. Although preoccupied adults also sought social support in response to stress, they also tended to use escape/avoidance strategies. Dismissing and fearful individuals were much less likely to seek social support, and were more likely to distance themselves in some contexts. Finally, regression analyses indicated that the link between secure attachment and support-seeking as a coping strategy was mediated, in part, by the perception that support is available from friends and family.

Key Words: adult attachment • coping styles • social support

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