Parental Attachment and Emotional Regulation in Young Adults: A Quantitative Correlational Study

Parental relationships remain an important aspect of psychological functioning throughout our lives. However, little research has been carried out examining their relationship with emotional regulation in non-clinical populations. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived parental attachment and emotional regulation in young adults using a quantitative non-experimental correlational design. An online questionnaire consisting of sociodemographics and 30 Likert scale statements, 15 statements relating to parental attachment (1-15) and 15 statements relating to emotional regulation (16-30) was completed. From the sample of 102 responses exported, 1 case did not give consent and so were removed from analysis, giving a total of 101 complete cases. Reverse scoring was applied to negatively worded statements. Mean scores for parental attachment were 51.83 (SD = 12.15). Mean scores for emotional regulation were 49.42 (SD = 8.41). Internal reliability for parental attachment was high with a Cronbach?s alpha score of .877. Internal reliability for emotional regulation was acceptable with a score of .767. There was a significant positive association between parental attachment and emotional regulation (r(99)=.511, 95% CI [.35, .64], p<.001). Approximately, 26% of variance appeared to be shared between the two variables. Young adults with higher levels of perceived parental attachment (closeness, trust and open communication) reported higher levels of emotional regulation. As this study used a correlational design, this represents an association rather than a causal relationship. Overall, the findings provide evidence to take a relational approach and consider individuals within their context in counselling psychology.