BMC psychology
The sociopolitical dimension of attachment: differences in attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance between East and West Germans
By Kasinger C, Müller K, Kaufmann MT and 3 others.
Abstract
Background
Attachment is a universal, cross-cultural basic need, which, however, is defined, satisfied and shaped differently in each socio-cultural context. Germany with its history of two divided states and their different sociopolitical environments offers an unique opportunity to study their impact on attachment behavior.
Methods
Attachment behavior was assessed in a representative sample (N = 2,328) using the dimensions of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance in couple relationships of the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire (ECR-RD 12). Differences between East and West Germans were examined in a univariate analysis of variance, differentiated by age cohorts and sex. Socioeconomic variables were included in the model as control variables.