The Relationships Between Emotion Regulation, Attachment Styles, and Interpersonal Relationship Styles in Adults
Abstract
Aim: This study explores the interaction between emotion regulation (ER) processes, adult attachment styles, and interpersonal relationship styles. The primary aim is to identify key determinants of interpersonal relationship styles by examining how ER strategies and difficulties shape social interactions in combination with attachment patterns.
Method: The sample consists of 420 adults between 18 and 65 recruited using a snowball sampling. Participants were given several self-report questionnaires, including the Demographic Information Form, ER Questionnaire (ERQ), Difficulties in ER Scale-Short Form (DERS-16), Experiences in Close Relationships Scale-Revised (ECR-R), and Interpersonal Relationships Scale (IRS). The relationships between the continuous variables of the study were evaluated by Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient; the predictor variables were evaluated by Multiple Linear Regression Analysis.
Results: The findings indicate significant correlations between ER strategies, ER difficulties, attachment styles, and interpersonal relationship styles. Specifically, engagement in cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression and difficulties with impulse control and emotional clarity emerged as important predictors of interpersonal relationship styles. Individuals with higher scores on emotional clarity and adaptive regulation strategies tended to engage in more supportive and constructive interpersonal interactions. In contrast, difficulties in managing emotions were associated with higher levels of conflict-oriented inhibitory relational tendencies. Additionally, attachment styles played an important role; anxious and avoidant attachment scores were significantly correlated negative interpersonal tendencies.
Conclusion: By emphasizing the dynamic interaction between emotional processes and attachment experiences in shaping social dynamics, these findings offer valuable insights for psychological interventions to improve ER skills and build healthier relationships in adulthood.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Personality and Individual Differences, Applied and Developmental Psychology (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Aynur Feyzioğlu
0000-0002-3342-1325
Türkiye
Early Pub Date
September 27, 2026
Publication Date
-
Submission Date
May 9, 2025
Acceptance Date
March 29, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication