The contributions of genetic and environmental factors to adult attachment styles

Attachment theory, as originally outlined by Bowlby (1969/1982), was inspired by ideas from a variety of disciplines, including not only social, developmental, and clinical psychology, but also evolutionary biology and genetics research. The past several decades of attachment research, however, has largely focused on environmental explanations of attachment styles, creating a scarcity of research that can speak to the contributions of both environmental and genetic factors in shaping attachment. The present study aimed to investigate the genetic and environmental factors underlying adult attachment styles. To do so, I analyzed data collected from 678 adult twin pairs (N = 1,377 twins; 420 monozygotic twin pairs, 278 dizygotic twin pairs) who reported on both their general attachment styles (i.e., how people think, feel, and behave in close relationships broadly construed) as well as their relationship-specific attachments to their mothers, fathers, romantic partners, and best friends. First, I estimated the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to general and relationship-specific attachment styles. Second, using multivariate biometric models, I examined the genetic and environmental factors that underlie the covariation or connections among relationship-specific attachment styles. Lastly, I investigated more complex forms of gene-environment interplay (e.g., G x E interactions) that may shape attachment styles as people age and as their romantic relationships progress.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2023

Author dc:creator

• Dugan, Keely Ann

Contributors dc:contributor

• Fraley, R. Chris
• Hankin, Benjamin L.
• Briley, D. A.
• Derringer, Jaime
• Stern, Chadly

• Attachment
• Genetic

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2023 Keely Dugan

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/122192

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F122192