Attachment and internet relationships
by Ponder, Eva, Psy.D., WHEATON COLLEGE, 2009, 85 pages; 3366556

Abstract:

Relationships formed and maintained over the internet have become a common occurrence, and relatively little is understood about them. This study seeks to enhance an understanding of internet relationships utilizing attachment theory as an explanatory framework. Data was collected via an anonymous, online survey of 145 individuals. Participants completed the Experiences in Close Relationships scale, the Miller Social Intimacy Scale, and the Miller Self-Disclosure Index for both their closest online and closest in-vivo relationships. The survey also contained some demographic questions and inquired about the participants’ experience in bringing online relationships to in-vivo. Correlational analysis suggests that individuals who score higher in attachment avoidance in-vivo, utilized a more secure attachment style online, with lower avoidance online while attachment anxiety appears unchanged between in-vivo and online relationships. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between attachment avoidance and increased levels of online self-disclosure and intimacy compared to in-vivo self-disclosure and intimacy. Thus, individuals with higher levels of attachment avoidance felt more comfortable with self-disclosure and intimacy in online relationships compared to their in-vivo relationships. There was no evident relationship between attachment style and the number of relationships begun online and shifted to in-vivo. It is suggested that longitudinal studies might help understand whether the increased self-disclosure and intimacy online generalizes over time to in-vivo relationships.

 
AdviserCynthia Neal@Kimball
SchoolWHEATON COLLEGE
SourceDAI/B 70-07, p. , Aug 2009
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsSocial psychology; Clinical psychology
Publication Number3366556
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