This study examines the applicability of Western adult attachment perspectives to interpersonal difficulties experienced by individuals with indigenous Chinese cultural backgrounds. A total of 275 Taiwanese university students completed self-report surveys of adult attachment, ideal attachment, and interpersonal problems. Culturally adjusted attachment scores were generated by regressing self-report attachment on ideal attachment to control for cultural difference. Findings from path analyses indicated that culturally adjusted attachment scores had a better fit with the model depicting relationships between attachment and interpersonal problems. Results with adjusted attachment scores indicated that Taiwanese individuals scoring high on attachment dimensions tended to have more interpersonal difficulties, which is consistent with the theory’s prediction. Findings and implications are discussed based on attachment perspectives and the Chinese cultural context in Taiwan.
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