Attachment cognitions predict perceived and enacted social support during late adolescence

This study examined the relationship between attachment cognitions and soci al support in a community sample of late-adolescent women. Participants wer e 129 women recruited as seniors from three Los Angeles high schools to tak e part in a 5-year longitudinal study of adolescent development. As predict ed, attachment cognitions representing greater security in close relationsh ips,were found to be associated with higher levels of perceived and enacted social support. The study also found that differences between subjects rep orting secure and insecure attachment cognitions were primarily in the doma in of enacted emotional support, as opposed to two other types of enacted s upport, information and material aid. These findings are consistent with a basic principle of attachment theory that internalized representations of a ttachment relationships continue To influence interpersonal functioning dur ing adolescent and adult development.