Attachment Styles that Predict Infidelity among College

Students in Metro Dumaguete College

A Research Proposal
Presented to

The Faculty of the Graduate School

Negros Oriental State University
Main Campus I, Dumaguete City

In Partial Fulfillment of
Of the requirements for the subject
Research Methodology

by

CERIALES, JUSTINE JANE B.

MIRA, FRANCES MAE ANN Z.

April 19, 2019

 Acknowledgment

The researchers are immensely thankful to Dr. Ralph Cardeño for sharing his remarkable pearls

of wisdom with the class in the course of this research.

Our gratitude would also extend to Dr. Craig Refugio for imparting his impressive breadth of

knowledge.

The researchers would also like to express their profound acknowledgment to the brilliant

authors for all the related studies and literature that were reviewed in this research.

Lastly, a thousand thanks to God almighty for making this research possible.
 Chapter I

The Problem and Its Scope

Introduction

Recent research in adolescent romantic relationships has shown how important these relationships

are for this life stage...One aspect that has largely been neglected in this field is the study of Infidelity in

adolescence. While marital infidelity has been studied in a great deal, the research on being unfaithful in

adolescents close relationships has been relatively limited. As children develop into adolescents, they

become involved in romantic relationships and for the first time in their development are met with the

cultural expectation to be “faithful” or exclusive to one individual, the negotiation of this fidelity can be a

new challenge in this already confusing and turbulent time.

Based on researches, approximately 40% to 60% of late adolescents admit to having cheated on a

dating partner at some point, depending on the definition of infidelity. Clearly infidelity is experienced

by many adolescents within their romantic relationships. As such, this behavior must be studied if we are

to better understand the complexities of these relationships, as well as comprehend the experiences of the

developing adolescent. Infidelity in dating relationships may have detrimental effects on the adolescents

who experience it.

The study emphasized the different types of attachment styles that predicts the individual’s greater

risk of committing infidelity. These types are discussed in relation to the theories presented and an

argument is made for the research on infidelity to take a broader focus Implications of these findings for

individuals and for the professionals who work with them are discussed, along with suggestions for future

research.
Statement of the Problem:

...

Specifically, the study aims to answer the following:

1. What is the demographic profile of the participants who committed Infidelity in Close

Relationship in terms of:

1.1.1 Age,

1.1.2 Sex,

1.1.3 Relationship Status, and

1.1.4 Infidelity Experience?

2. What are the Attachment Styles of the participants in terms of:

2.1.1 Secure Attachment Style,

2.1.2 Preoccupied Attachment Style,

2.1.3 Dismissive Attachment Style, and

2.1.4 Fearful-Avoidant Attachment Style?

3. Is there any significant relationship between Attachment Style and Infidelity?

....

Definition of Terms

Significance of the Study

Scope and Limitation of the Study

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Related Literature

The following are literature that discusses related attachment style .

According to the perspective of the attachment model, children develop a specific

attachment style based on the manner in which they were treated by the primary caregivers, such

as their parents. If the caregivers is not responsive to the child’s distress, the child would most

likely develop negative models of the self and others. However, if the child is properly cared, he

would develop positive models of the self and others. This various combinations of negative and

positive models of the self and others would produce the four styles of adult attachment. This

would serve as a foundation in engaging relationship with a partner or a spouse (J. Fiest, 2010).

John Bowlby developed a theory of early attachment in children. This theory has two

fundamental assumptions. First, a responsive and accessible significant person who serves as a

primary caregiver must create a secure base for the child. The child needs to be aware that the

caregiver is accessible and dependable. If this is achieved, the child is more likely to develop

confidence and security in exploring the world. This bonding relationship serves the critical

function of attaching the caregiver to the child. The second assumption of the theory is that the

bonding relationship aforementioned becomes internalized and serves as a mental working

framework in which future friendships and intimate relationships are built. This bonding

attachment is therefore the most critical of all relationships (J. Feist. 2009).

Mary Ainsworth and her colleagues developed a procedure identifying and studying the

differences among children with different attachment styles. It was called the strange situation

procedure. A mother and her baby will enter into a living room. The child is free to play the toys

while the mother watches over her child. Few minutes after, a friendly stranger will enter the
room while the mother will leave the baby alone with the stranger. After another minute, the

stranger leaves and the mother returns to the room. All the while, the child is being recorded by a

video camera. They found three patterns of behavior noted by John Bowbly. One is called the

securely attached. The child endured the separation, waiting patiently and even approached the

stranger. When the mothers returned, they were happy to see them. They seemed confident their

mothers would return, hence the term secure. The second is called the avoidantly attached. This

involves children who seemed not worried of the mother leaving and avoided them when they

returned. The last attachment style is called the ambivalently attached. The children were very

anxious about their mothers leaving. However, upon the return of their mothers, the child

behaves ambivalently. They showed both anger and a desire to be close to the mothers. Further

study on this experiment showed different behavior of the mothers. Mothers of securely attached

infants provided more affection and stimulation to their babies and are generally more responsive

compared to others. These early experiences and interactions between children and parents

become working models for later adult relationship, just as what Bowlby mentioned in his

theory. These working models are internalized in our unconscious about the expectations on

relationships. Whether they feel unwanted, unloved or the opposite will reflect to their later adult

relationships (R. Larsen, D. Buss, 2008).

The following are literature that discusses related with the concept infidelity.

People have various perspective on the concept of infidelity. Others see infidelity as

having sexual intercourse with people outside the relationship. While others may see it as an

emotional attachment to other person. According to Alyssa Siegel, one of the authors of

Psychology tomorrow magazine, infidelity is any action that violates an implicit or explicit

agreement between two people, thereby undermining the relationship. The behavior may refer to
physical or emotional in nature. One of the most common reasons for infidelity is a sense of

emotional disconnection from the person inside the relationship. People who commits infidelity

frequently revealed emotions such as feeling unappreciated, lonely and sad. These can most

likely lead to emotional affair which may start searching for friendship. However, this may

eventually develop into high level of intimacy that will later on substitute the primary

relationship. (A.Siegel.2013)

People exist in a social environment filled with temptation, including people who

potentially represent alternatives to one’s relationship partner. Normally, desires for closeness,

intimacy and commitment diminish interest in alternatives and the propensity to engage in

infidelity. The study’s findings suggest that chronic discomfort with closeness and intimacy, as

indicated by relatively high levels of an avoidant attachment style has direct consequences for

how interested people are in alternatives to their partner, how committed they are and hence how

much they engage in infidelity. By keeping psychological distance from one’s partner and

remaining relatively uncommitted, avoidantly attached people maintain their desire for

independence and self-reliance. But remaining uncommitted gives rise to behaviors that

undermine relationship well-being and potentially result in relationship dissolution (Lambert N.,

2011).

Review of Related Studies

The following are studies that discuss ideas related to the concepts of infidelity and

attachment .

A study entitled Attachment Style may predict Infidelity aims to know if the attachment

styles of individuals may or may not predict the tendency of individual to commit infidelity. This
study focused on one kind of attachment style which is avoidant attachment. According to this

study, individuals who have avoidant attachment personalities struggle with intimacy and

closeness. In a larger picture it was observed that these individuals find it hard to be intimate

with someone leading to low level of commitment, in turn, giving high risk for infidelity

(DeWall C., 2007). The researchers gathered 42 college students engage in romantic relationship.

They evaluated both attachment style and commitment. Results showed that avoidant attachment

was paralleled to more positive attitudes toward cheating from a current relationship partner,

engaging in infidelity (DeWall C., 2007). This findings suggest that discomfort with closeness

and intimacy in a relationship, identified as avoided attachment has consequences on how

interested an individual in alternative relationships, how committed they are and lastly, their

tendency to engage infidelity.

Another research study of Infidelity in Dating Relationship by Richard D. McAnulty &

Jocelyn M. Brineman explored the different perspective of infidelity definitions across various

studies and researches. This also talks about the possible predictors of infidelity, again across

various studies, comparing and analysing the significant results of correlation of different

predictors. These variables in this study included religiosity, personality type and attachment

style. Religiosity score were gathered from the combined self-related importance of religion and

frequency of church attendance. Results showed that it was negatively correlated with infidelity

for women but not for men. Results from Personality factors suggest that it may influence the

type of motives given for engaging in infidelity. Finally, literature on attachment style and

infidelity had interesting results. Individuals with secure attachment style have less accepting

attitudes toward infidelity compared to those with avoidant attachment style.

 The study of Sandra Donovan on Attachment Theory as a Predictor of Communicative

Responses to Infidelity examines the attachment styles of adult romantic relationship as a

predictive variable to communicative responses. The three variables are reviewed in this study,

attachment styles of the individuals and their respective communicative responses to infidelity.

This study identified four attachment styles. First is secure attachment style which is

characterized by a positive view of self and others. These individuals are comfortable in trusting

others and others trusting them, which increases the likelihood of a close romantic relationship.

Second is the preoccupied attachment style. These individuals have negative concept of

themselves, but positive concept of others. This world creates a need to seek close personal

relationship with others. However, this need is so strong that will come across as overbearing

and domineering to one’s partner. Third is dismissive attachment style. This is the opposite of

the aforementioned style. These individuals have a positive concept of themselves but negative

concept of others. They view relationships not as a primary need. They often appear to be cold

and introverted. Lastly, fearful-avoidant individuals possess both negative view of self and

others. They want to be intimately attached with someone but they are overwhelmed with feeling

of fear, causing for them to avoid engaging relationships. The instrument that was used for

measuring the attachment style was the Experiences in Close Relationships scale-Revised.

Results of the study presented that the attachment styles indeed moderately predicted the

communicative responses to infidelity.

One classic study about adult attachment was researched by Cindy Hazan and Phil

Shaver (1987). They predicted that different styles of attachment in early childhood stage would

identify the type, duration, and stability of intimate relationship among adults. They

hypothesized that participants who had secure early attachment will experience more trust,
closeness and intimacy in their relationship compared to those participants who has anxious-

resistant and anxious-ambivalent attachment style. Participants of the study utilized college

students and other adults. Results found support in each of their hypothesis mentioned above.

Furthermore, the researchers found that securely attached adults were more likely to believe that

intimate relationship could be long lasting. They had longer-lasting relationships and were less

likely to divorce (J, Feist, 2009).

Among the rich researches about attachment styles, one study focused on evaluating the

replicability of the Attachment Syle Questionnaire (ASQ) made by Bartholomew and Horowitz.

Results indicated that the items analyzed were consistent with the attachment style model used

by the aforementioned authors. Attachment style rests on two dimensions, the model of self and

the model of others. Secure is defined by positive model of both the self and others. Fearful is

defined by negative model of both the self and others. This, secure and fearful are opposite

concepts which are well supported because results confirmed negative intercorrelation between

both concepts. However, the other two concepts preoccupied and dismissing attachment did not

yield significant negative intercorrelation. According to the study, possible explanation of this is

that both concepts are defined by negative model of self. This means that both concept are

independent from each other and does not necessarily oppose each other. (E.Polek.2008)

Secure Attachment is defined by positive model of both the self and others. It is

characterized by individuals that are able to form close bonds with others and are comfortable

with interdependent relationships.Fearful Attachment is defined by negative model of both the

self and others.It is characterized by individuals who skeptically want close relationships, but

they suspect that other people do not truly care about them. Avoidant attachment is defined by

positive model of self and negative model of others. It is characterized by individuals who are
distrustful of others and are afraid of intimate relationships.Preoccupied Attachment is defined

by positive model of others and negative model of self. It is characterized by individuals who

completely emotionally want close relationship but is reluctant to engage in such relationship.

(E.Polek.2008)

....

Theoretical Framework
Negative model Positive model of
of PREOCCUPIED
FEARFUL Negative others
SECURE
DISMISSING Positive model of
self others self

Figure 1.1 The four category model of attachment styles by Bartholomew and Horowitz (1991).

John Bowlby developed a theory of early attachment in children. This theory has two

fundamental assumptions. The model of self and the model of others. First, a responsive and

accessible significant person who serves as a primary caregiver must create a secure base for the
child. The child needs to be aware that the caregiver is accessible and dependable. If this is

achieved, the child is more likely to be nurtured with confidence and security in exploring the

world. Thus he would develop a positive model towards itself. The second assumption of the

theory is that the bonding relationship aforementioned becomes internalized and serves as a

mental working framework in which future friendships and intimate relationships are built. This

bonding attachment is therefore the most critical of all relationships. Thus he would develop a

positive model towards others. A varied combination of these two models would create the four

attachment styles (J. Feist. 2009).Secure Attachment is defined by positive model of both the self

and others. It is characterized by individuals that are able to form close bonds with others and are

comfortable with interdependent relationships.Fearful Attachment is defined by negative model

of both the self and others.It is characterized by individuals who skeptically want close

relationships, but they suspect that other people do not truly care about them. Avoidant

attachment is defined by positive model of self and negative model of others. It is characterized

by individuals who are distrustful of others and are afraid of intimate relationships.Preoccupied

Attachment is defined by positive model of others and negative model of self. It is characterized

by individuals who completely emotionally want close relationship but is reluctant to engage in

such relationship. (E.Polek.2008)

Conceptual Framework

Attachment Styles

 Secure Attachment Style Tendency to commit

 Preoccupied Attachment Style
Infidelity
 AvoidantAttachment Style
 Fearful Attachment Style
Figure 1.2 The Attachment Styles predicting the tendency to commit Infidelity.

This study aims to determine the identified categories of attachment styles as a critical

predictor of an individual to commit infidelity. The researchers based their assumption from the

Attachment Theory of John Bowlby that a strong emotional and physical attachment to primary

caregiver is critical to personal development. The four categories of attachment styles namely:

secure, pre-occupied, fearful and avoidant attachment styles predicts the tendency of adolescents

to commit infidelity within the course of their relationship.

Definition of Terms

Secure Attachment. This refers to the positive model of both the self and others

characterized by individuals that are able to form close bonds with others and are comfortable

with interdependent relationships (E.Polek.2008).

2. Fearful Attachment is defined by negative model of both the self and others.It is

characterized by individuals who skeptically want close relationships, but they suspect that other

people do not truly care about them (E.Polek.2008).

3. Avoidant attachment is defined by positive model of self and negative model of others. It is

characterized by individuals who are distrustful of others and are afraid of intimate relationships

(E.Polek.2008).
4. Preoccupied Attachment is defined by positive model of others and negative model of self. It

is characterized by individuals who completely emotionally want close relationship but is

reluctant to engage in such relationship (E.Polek.2008).

5. Infidelity is any action that violates an implicit or explicit agreement between two people,

thereby undermining the relationship. The behavior may refer to physical or emotional in nature.

(A.Siegel.2013)

Scope and Limitation

This research would highlight on the correlation between attachment styles and infidelity.

In determining the attachment styles of an individual it would help shed light to the prevalence

and facilitate in the construct of an action plan to infidelity. In spite of best efforts to minimize

some limitations that might creep in the course of this research, there were certain constraints

within its completion. The research would only focus with adolescence (ages 12-18) in Metro

Dumaguete College as participants. This research refuse to specify but rather accepts any form of

the variable of infidelity.

Research Method

The method of sampling that will be used in this research is purposive sampling.

Researchers implicitly choose a representative sample to suit their needs or specifically approach

individuals with certain characteristics. This approach is often used by the media when

canvassing the public for opinions in qualitative research.

 The research design that will be utilized is correlation. The researchers aim to determine

if there is a significant correlation between attachment style and the tendency of an individual to

engage in infidelity.

Instrument

The instrument that will be use in this study is the Attachment Syle Questionnaire (ASQ)

made by Bartholomew and Horowitz.Among the rich researches about attachment styles, their

study focused on evaluating the replicability of the said instrument. Results indicated that the

items analyzed were consistent with the attachment style model used by the aforementioned

authors. Attachment style rests on two dimensions, the model of self and the model of others.

Secure is defined by positive model of both the self and others. Fearful is defined by negative

model of both the self and others. This, secure and fearful are opposite concepts which are well

supported because results confirmed negative inter-correlation between both concepts. However,

the other two concepts preoccupied and dismissing attachment did not yield significant negative

inter-correlation. According to the study, possible explanation of this is that both concepts are

defined by negative model of self. This means that both concept are independent from each other

and does not necessarily oppose each other. See Annex-2 for the Attachment Survey

Questionnaire(E.Polek.2008).

Environment

Metro Dumaguete College was registered as a private non-stock, non-profit educational

institution. It offers both Senior High School and Collegiate programs. The researchers would

conduct this endeavour in MDC since they respectfully work in the institution thus would make

it more convenient and the target participants are also available.

References:

Fiest,J.(2009).Theories of Personality.Mcgrawhill.New York.

Fricker, J.(2006).Predicting Infidelity: The Role of Attachment Styles, Lovestyles, and the

Investment Model.

Furr, E.(2006) Infidelity in Adolescent Romantic Relationships. Master's Thesis, University of

Tennessee, . https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/1556

Larsen, R. & Buss, D. (2008).Personality Psychology.3rd ed. McGrawhill.New York

Polek, E. (2008). Attachment in Cultural Context.

Siegel, A. (2013, Sept. 7). My cheating heart: what causes infidelity. Psychology Tomorrow

Magazine Retrieved from http://psychologytomorrowmagazine.com/popuartic-alyssa-

siegel-my-cheating-heart/