Individual differences in adult crying: The role of attachment styles

• Anja J. Laan

  Reinier van Arkel Groep

• Marcel A. L. M. van Assen

  Tilburg University

• Ad J. J. M. Vingerhoets

  Tilburg University

We carried out 2 studies to evaluate the relationship between attachment style and crying in adults. Data were collected from 2 independent large samples, measuring as 2 different operationalizations crying in general and in response to music. The results in both studies showed a consistent pattern. As anticipated, the group with a dismissive attachment style cried less than the other groups, and the preoccupied attachment style group cried more intensely than the secure group. The preoccupied and fearful attachment style groups reported the most negative emotions while crying, whereas the secure group reported more crying over positive emotions. These results show that attachment style is a determinant of adult crying behavior.

1. Marcel A. L. M. van Assen, Tilburg University
   Department of Methodology and Statistics
2. Ad J. J. M. Vingerhoets, Tilburg University
   Clinical Psychology Section

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