Trait Affection and Adult Attachment Styles: Analyzing Relationships and Group Differences

Previous research has implicated both affectionate communication and adult attachment styles as important elements of individual ability to grow and maintain successful relationships. The current study sought to understand the relationship between those two concepts. As hypothesized, trait given affection, while controlling for trait received affection, was positively related to the secure attachment style and inversely related to the three insecure attachment styles. Secure individuals also significantly communicated more affection than any of the three insecure styles. Several implications and directions for future research are discussed.