An Investigation of Interpersonal Problem Solving Approaches with Respect to Attachment Styles.

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate interpersonal problem solving approaches with respect to attachment styles. The participants were 554 (279 female and 275 male) university students. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis were used.The results of the study showed that the attachment styles of the students significantly predicted subdimentsions of interpersonal problem solving. There was a positive relationship between secure attachment style and constructive problem solving, insistentpersevering approach while there was a negative and significant relationship between secure attachment style and approaching problems in a negative way, lack of self confidence, unwillingness to take responsibility. There was a positive relationship among dismissive attachment style scores constructive problem solving score. The relationship among preoccuped attachment style and approaching problems in a negative way, constructive problem solving, lack of self confidence, and unwillingness to take responsibility was positive and significant. There was a positive relationship among Fearful attachment style and approaching problems in a negative way, constructive problem solving, lack of self confidence, unwillingness to take responsibility, and insistentpersevering approach. Key Words Attachment Styles, Problem Solving, Interpersonal Problem Solving. Adolescence is a period during which a young individual steps into adulthood in terms of social, emotional and cognitive development (Temel & Aksoy, 2005). In their relationships with adults and their peers, adolescents experience problems caused by internal and external factors. These problems influence the adaptation of adolescents (Ozbay, 2002). Relationship problems are among the most common problems. Problem solving skills help an individual or a group to effectively adapt to the environment they live in. All generations have to learn problem solving to effectively adapt to the environmental the live in (Senemoglu, 2007). Problem solving skill is a learnable characteristic. Particularly the solution of interpersonal problems depends on whether interpersonal communication is effective or not (Cam, 1999). Interpersonal problems appear as a result of the problems related with other people (Horowitz, 2004). Interpersonal problems can be defined as a situation in which at least one of the persons involved in the interaction perceives the difference between the existing communication and ideal communication; and attempts to eliminate the tension caused by this perceived difference where these attempts are prevented (Kesgin, 2006). Interpersonal problem solving skill is one of the skills that should be supported starting from the early years of life and it continues throughout the life (Anliak & Dincer, 2005; Ozdil, 2008). Interpersonal problem solving is termed as social problem solving (Cam & Tumkaya, 2008). Social problem solving is a conscious, rational; effort based coping process aiming to find ways for a solution in stressful situations (D'zurilla & Chang, 1995; D'Zurilla & Nezu, 1982, 1990). Social problem solving model involves three dimensions which are orientation to the problem, appropriate problem solving, and application of problem solving skills. Orientation to the problem involves the realization of the problem and causal attributions and expectations of a person about problem solutions and constitutes the motivation part in problem solving process. Orientation to the problem constitutes the general attitude of the individual towards the problem and is affected by the problems that the individual have faced in his past experiences and the types of coping with these problems. In addition to problem solving skill of the person, orientation to the problem includes what the person generally thinks and feels about the problems of life, and his/her emotional and cognitive schemes. …