The contributions of genetic and environmental factors to adult attachment styles

Dugan, Keely Ann

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

Description

Title

The contributions of genetic and environmental factors to adult attachment styles

Author(s)

Dugan, Keely Ann

Issue Date

2023-08-16

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Fraley, R. Chris

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Fraley, R. Chris

Committee Member(s)

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

Department of Study

Psychology

Discipline

Psychology

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• attachment
• genetic

Abstract

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.

Graduation Semester

2023-12

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Keely Dugan

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