Understanding the Links Between Parental Attachment and Relational Identity in Adolescents: A Study on Emotional Attachment

Subject Areas : Psychology

sepideh parsa ¹ , parisa saadat Seyed Mousavi ^{2 *}

1 - Graduate of the Family Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
2 - Assistant Professor, Family Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

Received: 2025-05-05 Accepted : 2025-07-12 Published : 2025-08-24

Keywords: Parental Attachment, Romantic Attachment, Identity Development, Adolescents, Relational Identity,

Abstract :

This study explores the relationships between parental attachment, emotional attachment, and relational identity among adolescents, with a focus on the mediating role of emotional attachment and the moderating effect of relationship duration. A sample of adolescents from two schools in a specific cultural region highlights the significance of parental attachment as a foundation that enables emotional exploration and the formation of intimate relationships. Key findings reveal a significant positive relationship between parental attachment and emotional attachment in both male and female adolescents, while the link between emotional attachment and relational identity is notably stronger for females. Additionally, emotional attachment is shown to be a partial mediator between parental attachment and relational identity, underscoring the role of peer relationships in identity development. The analysis also indicates that longer durations in romantic relationships are linked to higher levels of emotional attachment and commitment, suggesting that relationship duration moderates these dynamics. Nevertheless, the study acknowledges limitations, such as focusing exclusively on adolescents with living parents, cultural homogeneity, and potential bias in self-reported data. Overall, the findings stress the importance of parental and peer relationships in shaping adolescent identity development and encourage future research on sibling attachment, early adulthood comparisons, and the impact of emotional perfectionism on attachment styles.

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