ADULT ATTACHMENT STYLES, PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AND COPING STRATEGIES

The relations between adult attachment styles, perceived social suppor t and the use of various coping strategies was examined in a sample of young adults (N = 81). Participants completed measures of adult attac hment style, perceived social support from friends and family, and a m odified version of the Ways of Coping scale. In addition, participants rated the coping strategies they would most likely use in response to a series of hypothetical vignettes describing social- and achievement -related stressors. Results indicated that secure individuals perceive d more available support from friends and family, and sought more soci al support in response to stress. Although preoccupied adults also sou ght social support in response to stress, they also tended to use esca pe! avoidance strategies. Dismissing and fearful individuals were much less likely to seek social support, and were more likely to distance themselves in some contexts. Finally, regression analyses indicated th at the link between secure attachment and support-seeking as a coping strategy was mediated, in part, by the perception that support is avai lable from friends and family.