A Comparative Analysis of Emotional Intelligence across Different Attachment Styles in Young Adults

Description

Natansh Agarwal¹ and Surabhi Srivastava² (Department of Psychology, MJP Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh¹ and Head of Department of Psychology, V.R.A.L Govt. Girls Degree College, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh²)

Emotional intelligence and attachment theory are two important concepts in psychology that have different but considerable impacts on people’s emotions, interpersonal relationships, and responses to various situations. This paper aims to compare emotional intelligence among four types of attachment styles, including secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissing-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant, in young adults aged 18 to 30. Theoretical foundations of this construct discuss the influence of attachment and propose potential benefits of emotional intelligence. Bowlby’s attachment theory, Ainsworth’s Strange Situation, and Mayer and Salovey’s concepts of emotional intelligence have been taken into consideration when reviewing the research. After conducting a narrative review, it is possible to conclude that emotional intelligence varies in individuals with different types of attachment styles, and there are many psychosocial factors that affect the relationship between emotional intelligence and different attachment styles.