Attachment relationships among alcohol dependent persons

Abstract

IntroductionThis article presents the results of a study on alcohol dependent patients attachment style and its various dimensions. MethodThere were 94 alcoholic and 94 non-alcoholic participants (both 53 women and 41 men). Plopa's Questionnaire of Attachment Styles (KSP) and Collins and Read's Adult Attachment Scale (AAS) were used.The variable of having a dependent parent was also taken into consideration. ResultsThe study has shown that people with alcohol dependence significantly differ from non-alcoholics in terms of attachment style and its dimensions. They also receive significantly lower scores on secure attachment style and higher scores on insecure attachment style – anxious-ambivalent and avoidant style, and higher scores on attachment dimensions – anxiety and avoidance. There were no differences in attachment styles and their dimensions for patients with alcohol dependent and non-dependent parents. ConclusionsAlcohol dependent persons rarely present secure connection to others and more often manifest mistrust in interpersonal relationships and avoid closeness and intimacy.