Identity Consequences of Attachment to Mothers and Fathers Among Late Adolescents

Abstract

This study examined the association between attachment and identity among late adolescents. Participants completed measures of attachment to their mothers and fathers as well as measures of identity status, family background, and life satisfaction. The study tested hypotheses from attachment theory and identity theory, both of which emphasize the influence of parent-child relationships and environmental exploration on the development of individuals. The findings indicate that identity achievement is related to attachment to mother, but is unrelated to attachment to father. Attachments to both mother and father, however, are associated with lower moratorium and lower diffusion. Overall, life satisfaction is related to father bonds as well as identity achievement and lower moratorium. The findings also suggest that the secure base provided by attachments to mothers and fathers acts as a protective factor against a floundering inability to make commitments. In addition, mother bonds appear to support the res...