Date of Award

2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

First Advisor

Pamela Nickels

Second Advisor

Anita Sankar

Third Advisor

John R. Terry

Abstract

Virginia B. Schenck’s thesis explores how adult attachment styles relate to the actual use of social support—known as enacted social support. While much prior research focuses on perceived support (people’s beliefs about the availability of help), this study shifts focus to what people actually do when they need assistance. Schenck surveyed 110 adults using two self-report measures: the Social Support Behaviors Scale and the Attachment Styles Scale. Participants were categorized into secure, avoidant, and preoccupied attachment styles, though the preoccupied group was too small to analyze statistically. The findings showed that adults with avoidant attachment styles reported significantly lower levels of enacted social support—both overall and in emotional situations—compared to securely attached adults. This supports the theory that early life experiences shape internal models of trust and connection, which then influence behavior throughout adulthood. Avoidant individuals may withdraw from support due to fear of rejection or overvaluation of independence, while securely attached individuals are more comfortable seeking help. Schenck argues that these insights have practical implications for counseling, education, and community support services, especially when working with individuals who seem reluctant to accept help. Understanding attachment-based patterns could help professionals build more effective, trust-based support strategies.

Download

Share

COinS