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Researcher takes closer look at intimacy
The number of intimate partners a person has throughout his or her life could be determined as early as infancy.
University of the Sunshine Coast researcher Francesca Sassi is conducting an online survey to evaluate the theory that early attachment patterns between primary caregivers – generally parents – and infants sets the foundation for an individual’s relationship life.
The Psychology Honours student said the early affectional bonds between children and their caregivers, known as attachment, have significant impacts on their attitudes towards romantic love when developed into adulthood.
She said these attitudes, in turn, could determine how many intimate partners are chosen across a lifetime.
“According to research, adults demonstrate the same attachment patterns with their romantic love partners as those that stem from their relationships with early caregivers,” she said.
“My study seeks to link specific attachment styles with attitudes towards romantic love and evaluate their influence on the number of intimate partners people have had.”
Francesca, 22, said the community could benefit from knowing more about the psychological effects that early attachment patterns have on attitudes and behaviours within romantic love relationships.
“Further knowledge in this area may help the general public in making their relationships better,” she said.
“This study is focused on creating personal and community awareness but it also can be applied to parenting as well. The attachments that parents have with their children – whether they are secure, anxious or involve avoidance – create attachment styles that continue throughout life.”
As part of her research, Francesca this week launched her online survey for University of Sunshine Coast students to complete anonymously.
More than one hundred students completed the questionnaire within two days, and Francesca is confident she will reach her target of 300 respondents before the survey closes on 11 September.
Francesca said findings from the survey would be published later this year.
— Terry Walsh