Abstract
This study examined attachment security as a possible contributor to compassionate love for a romantic partner among young adults. Attachment was assessed dispositionally and to a specific romantic partner. A secure dispositional attachment style was associated positively with compassionate love for partner, whereas an avoidant— dismissing attachment style was associated negatively with compassionate love. In addition, relationship-specific attachment avoidance was strongly (negatively) associated with compassionate love and mediated the association between dispositional attachment avoidance and compassionate love. Although relationship-specific attachment anxiety was not associated with compassionate love in the total sample or for the subsample in a serious relationship, it was a positive predictor of compassionate love for those in a casual relationship. Attachment may play a role in compassionate love by activating the caregiving system.
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