Abstract

The present study surveyed the distribution of adults' attachment types using the questionnaire (Bielefelder Fragebogen zu Partnerschaftserwartungen) on expectation for spouse (Partner) relation developed by Hoeger and Buschkaemper (2002) in Germany, and analyzed the distribution of attachment types according to demographic variables, experience of loss that is a risk factor affecting the change of attachment quality, and experience of dating andmarriage that may work as negative factors or as positive factors. The questionnaire mentioned above is a tool that classifies adults' attachment type as a continuous variable, so it can subdivide attachment types in detail rather than limiting them into three categories. According to the results of this study, four types of adult attachment were identified, which were secure attachment; insecure-ambivalent attachment; insecure-avoidant-cooperative attachment; and insecure-avoidant-closed attachment. The distribution of the identified attachment types showed significant differences according to age, marital status and experience of dating. That is, the percentage of security attachment was higher in those who were older, those who were married, and those who had experiences of dating.