An Attachment Perspective on Loneliness

Abstract

In this chapter, we explore the relevance of attachment theory for understanding individual differences in loneliness and propose specific attachment-relevant cognitive and behavioral mechanisms that can explain these differences. We begin with a brief summary of attachment theory and an account of the two major dimensions of adult attachment orientations, attachment anxiety and avoidance. We then review evidence concerning the associations between these dimensions and loneliness, proposing that the associations are mediated by attachment-related cognitive-motivational mechanisms. Next we review studies of the ways in which attachment orientations contribute to a person's goal structures, mental representations of self and others, and mental scripts concerning interpersonal transactions.