Impact of Attachment Styles on Loneliness and Social Connectedness

The current study investigates the connection between adult attachment styles and how they affect social connectedness and loneliness. Drawing on attachment theory, it examines how secure, anxious, and avoidant attachment patterns affect individuals' social experiences and emotional isolation. The Adult Attachment Scale (AAS), UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Social Connectedness Scale were used to evaluate a sample of 124 adult participants. According to the findings, people with secure attachment styles felt less alone and more connected to others, whereas people with insecure attachment styles—especially those who are anxious and avoidant—felt more alone and less connected. Results showed that individuals with secure attachments reported stronger social connections and lower loneliness, while those with insecure styles, particularly anxious and avoidant, experienced heightened loneliness and reduced social connectedness. These findings underscore the lasting impact of early relational patterns on emotional well-being and highlight the importance of developing secure attachment styles to buffer against loneliness.