Attachment theory originates from John Bowlby, and later Mary Aimsworth. It has its origins in analyzing the mother and child relationship. Through observing a child’s behavior in different situations, Bowlby and Aimsworth got an idea of how the child attached themselves to their mothers.

Three types of attachment were identified

These were later applied to adults in a variety of studies. The texting in relationship study surveyed people who identified themselves as being in a romantic relationship. 395 students were surveyed (175 male and 220 female). All were over 19 years of age, and the average relationship length was 15 months.

The study aimed to determine two things

  1. How individuals communicated (via text or other means). 2. What the relationship was between attachment style and texting habits. How individuals communicated Texting habits and other forms of communication (such as e-mail, internet chat, Skype, and face-to-face communication) were analyzed. The relationship between attachment style and texting habits Participants were placed in one of three categories identified earlier (this is adapted as it relates to adults): Those who were categorized under the avoidant and insecure attachment styles (based on their personality) texted significantly more than those classified under the secure attachment style.

What were the reasons for this and what are common examples in everyday life?

Texting regularly as part of the insecure attachment style. Individuals falling under the insecure category text more regularly due to fears of  abandonment, insecurity, as well as their constant desire and need for re-assurance. Quite simply, they need to be loved. Whilst it is recognized that texting is less intimate than a face-to-face meeting, it reduces the individuals anxiety of not being close to their partner and provides them with needed reassurance and comfort. A common example includes a partner who constantly texts you when you are on a weekend away with friends. They seek reassurance that you love them and want to remind you that they still love you. Being separated (due to working in a different location, for example) will also cause a constant stream of messaging throughout the day to restore comfort. Texting regularly as part of the avoidance category. For those classified under the avoidance category, texting more regularly provides a means to maintain emotional distance and control over how often texting occurs. Remember, emotional distance and control are distinctive traits of the individual falling under this category. Using the previous example of a weekend away with friends, this kind of individual will also text more regularly, but for different reasons. They will want to know what you are doing and who you are going with. Knowing this makes them feel in control even when there is a distance between you. Considering that emotional distance is a trait, they will struggle to express themselves face-to-face. As a result, such emotion will be expressed over text, with a flood of messages sent directly after the partners have been in contact with one another. So, what category do you fall into?