Adolescents' attachment and coping with stress

This study examined how high school students cope with stress as a function of their attachment style. Data were gathered from 75 adolescent–parent pairs in Texas and included measures of attachment, coping style, life stress, and whom the respondent would turn to in times of stress. Adolescents' attachment security was positively related to family communication and negatively related to negative avoidance behaviors such as drinking or using drugs. Attachment insecurity was positively related to negative avoidance. Parent and child attachment ratings were related for secure and preoccupied but not fearful or dismissing styles. Research limitations and implications for school psychologists are discussed.