Married but Lonely: Attachment Styles and Loneliness across Newly Wedded and Long Wedded Pakistani Women

Abstract

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This research examines the relationship between attachment styles (secure, avoidant, and anxious attachment styles) and loneliness among married women. The study hypothesized that attachment styles would likely predict loneliness and there would be a difference in level of loneliness due to the nature of marriage (arranged or love). Correlational research design was used to conduct the research. Non-probability sampling strategy was used to collect data from 130 married women, age ranging from 25-50 years (M=31; SD=6.4). Self constructed demographic sheet, Adult Attachment Scale (Collins & Read, 1990) and UCLA Loneliness Version 3 (Russell, 1996) were used to collect data. Results revealed that loneliness was negatively correlated with secure and avoidant attachment styles, while positively correlated with anxious attachment style among married women. Furthermore, duration of marriage moderated the relationship between avoidant attachment style and loneliness. The findings further revealed that women's levels of loneliness were not influenced by the nature of marriage, whether it is arranged or love. Conclusively, this study has implications for mothers, therapists, and counselors.