What does this research mean for the field?

Attachment theory is meaningfully applicable to adult romantic relationships in urban Tanzania, though its expression is uniquely shaped by local economic, gendered, and communal dynamics. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONFIRMATORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To identify prevalent attachment styles, evaluate how childhood caregiving experiences shape them, and examine their influence on adult romantic relationship quality.

September 2, 2026Social science and human research bulletin.Open Access

Attachment Styles and the Quality of Adult Romantic Relationships in Ubungo District, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

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To identify prevalent attachment styles, evaluate how childhood caregiving experiences shape them, and examine their influence on adult romantic relationship quality.
Qualitative case study conducted in Ubungo District, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Purposive sample of 30 adult participants evaluated through semi-structured individual interviews (n=26) and a focus group discussion (n=4).
Qualitative data evaluated using thematic analysis and substantiated with verbatim participant narratives.
Identified three distinct attachment patterns: calm contextualized patience, anxious protest with reassurance-seeking, and detached low reactivity, with many participants demonstrating attachment security earned during adulthood.
Attachment styles were shaped by childhood exposure to resolved parental conflict, distinctions between discontinuous versus inconsistent caregiving, and equating care with material provision.
Romantic relationship quality was primarily influenced by partner communication pacing, cultural norms enforcing masculine emotional suppression, and the tendency to define love by financial support.

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Implication

Qualitative study uncovers how attachment styles shape romantic relationship quality in urban adults, suggesting local cultural and economic factors mediate relational security.

Cite This Study

Jengo et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a97e2eac562ede874ec74f8 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22201874

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Implication

Qualitative study uncovers how attachment styles shape romantic relationship quality in urban adults, suggesting local cultural and economic factors mediate relational security.

Attachment Styles and the Quality of Adult Romantic Relationships in Ubungo District, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Attachment Styles and the Quality of Adult Romantic Relationships in Ubungo District, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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