Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Patricia Vann

Keywords

Appalachia, attachment, love attitudes, childhood love, wellbeing, rural

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

This quantitative correlational study examined the relationships among childhood love, relationship love attitudes, and psychological wellbeing among young adults with childhood experiences in rural Appalachia. Childhood love was operationalized through adult attachment styles, specifically avoidant and anxious attachment, using the Experiences in Close Relationships–Short Form (ECR-S). Love attitudes were measured using the Love Attitudes Scale–Short Form (LAS-S), and psychological wellbeing was assessed using Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being–18 (PWB). The sample consisted of 88 participants between the ages of 21 and 35. Pearson’s correlation analyses revealed significant negative relationships between attachment insecurity and psychological wellbeing, indicating that higher levels of avoidant and anxious attachment were associated with lower wellbeing. Additional correlations indicated relationships between attachment styles and select love attitudes, providing partial support for relational associations. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that Eros love and avoidant attachment were significant negative predictors of psychological wellbeing. Contrary to expectations, attachment styles did not significantly moderate the relationship between love attitudes and psychological wellbeing. These findings suggest that attachment styles and love attitudes function as independent predictors of psychological wellbeing. The results contribute to the understanding of relational development and mental health among young adults in rural Appalachian populations and highlight the importance of attachment-focused interventions.

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