| This study examined the role of interpersonal competence and attachment in the individuation process (transition to adulthood). The aims of the study were twofold: the first objective was to evaluate the direct relationship between parent, peer, and romantic attachment and measures of individuation. Second, the mediational role of interpersonal competence in the relationship between attachment and individuation was tested. Participants included 160 female and 74 male first-year students, mean age of 18.45 years, at the University of New Brunswick, Saint John. As hypothesized, security scores on a measure of parental, peer, and romantic attachment significantly predicted the individuation measures of loneliness (romantic, family, and social), mental health, life satisfaction, and self-esteem. However, different relationships were found for the three attachment domains and the individuation scales. Moreover, parent, peer, and romantic attachment were found to explain a large proportion of the variance of the corresponding loneliness scale (i.e., family, social, and romantic). Further analyses revealed that attachment, in particular for the peer domain, was also significantly related to interpersonal competence. Significant relationships were also found between the interpersonal competence and individuation measures. Path analyses also provided support for the mediational role of interpersonal competence in the relationship between peer attachment and social loneliness. The results are interpreted from the individuation theory perspective, and the implications for attachment theory and research are discussed. |
