Attachment Theory and Online Dating: A Literature Review Supporting Adults Seeking Romantic Relationships

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dc.contributor.authorGee, Donna
dc.date.accessioned2025-06-16T22:57:47Z
dc.date.available2025-06-16T22:57:47Z
dc.date.issued2025-06-08
dc.description.abstractThe innate human desire for connection continues to drive the use of online dating platforms, despite their associated disadvantages. This capstone explores how attachment theory can serve as a framework for understanding online dating behaviors and relationship outcomes. Research indicates that an individual's attachment orientation—secure, anxious, or avoidant—shapes their approach to romantic relationships and influences trust development, a critical component in transitioning online connections into meaningful relationships. The disadvantages of online dating include emotional and psychological risks. Although empirical data on online dating success is limited, existing literature supports attachment theory as a robust model for explaining relational dynamics. Notably, therapy has been shown to foster secure attachment and improve relationship outcomes, offering a potential solution for individuals struggling with online dating challenges. The research suggests that integrating attachment theory into therapeutic practice may help mitigate the negative effects of online dating. Further research is warranted to deepen understanding and how attachment theory can inform the therapeutic process to support online daters form healthy romantic relationships.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/3779
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisher.institutionCity University of Seattle (CityU)
dc.rightsAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
dc.rightsopenAccess
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/
dc.subjectonline dating
dc.subjectattachment theory
dc.subjectromantic relationships
dc.subjectsecure attachment
dc.subjectanxious attachment
dc.subjectavoidant attachment
dc.subjectinternal working model
dc.titleAttachment Theory and Online Dating: A Literature Review Supporting Adults Seeking Romantic Relationships
dc.typeCapstone
thesis.degree.disciplineCounselling
thesis.degree.grantorCity University of Seattle (CityU)
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Counselling

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