Relationship Between Gratitude and Attachment Style Among Young Adults

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between gratitude and attachment styles in romantic relationships among young adults. A total of 153 participants completed the Gratitude Questionnaire-6 (GQ-6) and the Relationship Attachment Style (RAS) Scale. Descriptive statistics indicated moderate-to-high gratitude levels and varied attachment styles. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.243, p = 0.002), suggesting that higher gratitude is associated with lower attachment insecurity. Participants with greater gratitude tended to report secure attachment, marked by trust, emotional stability, and healthy relationship patterns. Conversely, lower gratitude was linked to anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment styles. Mean scores for gratitude, attachment anxiety, and avoidance were 25.47 (SD = 4.38), 17.82 (SD = 5.21), and 19.56 (SD = 4.87), respectively. These findings, confirmed through SPSS analysis, highlight the potential of gratitude to foster secure attachment. Future studies should employ larger, more diverse samples and experimental methods to explore causal relationships.