Revista de Psicologia e Psicoterapia
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A Systematic Review on the Association between Adult Attachment and Interpersonal Problems

Markus C Hayden, Pia K Müllauer and Sylke Andreas

Objective: The aim of our study was to identify characteristic associations between adult attachment and interpersonal problems, to enhance the understanding of human behavior in close interpersonal relationships. Method: We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature of the past 15 years. We focused on studies that link the two concepts via correlation. 17 articles fulfilled inclusion criteria and were systematically analyzed. Results: Strong associations were detected between interpersonal distress and both attachment anxiety and avoidance. Furthermore, studies revealed a trend towards associations between friendly-submissive behavior and attachment anxiety, as well as between hostile-dominant interpersonal problems and attachment avoidance. Conclusion: Our findings clearly suggest associations between adult attachment and interpersonal problems and enhance the knowledge about human behavior in interpersonal contact.