Content area
Full Text
ABSTRACT
This paper examines older adolescents' (ages 16-18) perceived levels of attachment to parents and peers and explores their relationship with self-image. Four high school samples were the source of 167 questionnaires. Levels of attachment were measured using the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment, and self-image was assessed using the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire. An ANOVA identified significant gender differences, and a multiple regression was used to measure the relationship between attachment and self-image. It was found that attachment to parents continues to remain strong into late adolescence for males and females. Females had significantly stronger attachment to peers. Males had a significantly higher level of self-image in a variety of areas of functioning. Attachment to parents was found to have a significant relationship with coping aspects of self-image, while peer attachment had a strong effect with self-image particularly in areas that gain prominence during this developmental period, such as body-image, vocational goals, and sexuality attitudes. In examining how institutional groups can enhance attachment relationships, it was found that, especially among females, groups that stress selfexpression and self-discovery may enhance attachment relationships and self-image.
INTRODUCTION
Interpersonal relationships have been viewed by investigators as a primary means through which people develop identity and positive self-image throughout the life-span (Youniss, 1980; O'Donnell, 1976). Some researchers have discussed the concept of interpersonal relationship from the perspective of attachment relationships, beginning in infancy with attachment to primary caregivers (Bowlby, 1982; Greenberg, Siegel, & Leitch, 1983). It has been noted that a sense of security with an attachment figure seems to instill the positive selfimage in which a person feels good about him or herself in a variety of adjustment areas including body image, vocational/educational goals, and social relationships (Offer, Ostrov, Howard, & Dolan, 1992).
As children enter adolescence, they begin to form more sustaining relationships with peers than they had at prior stages of development (Blyth, 1982; Berndt, 1982; Furman & Buhrmester, 1992). During this period, new relationships develop because adolescents have greater opportunities for independence from parents and are more able to see themselves as part of a larger community of people. Some of these people, particularly peers, involved in the new relationships may become new sources of trust. Adolescents need these new support relationships since...