Conceptualizing love addiction within the attachment perspective: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: The present study stems from the need to deepen knowledge regarding understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying Love Addiction (LA) and investigate the role of attachment style as a theoretical framework. We conducted a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of the investigated topics to achieve this objective.
METHOD: Five databases (PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science) systematically searched for studies that analyzed the relationship between LA and attachment dimensions, published in all years until September 23, 2024.
RESULTS: Overall, we found 27 studies; of these, we included 15 in the meta-analysis, with 3,628 participants. The analyses were conducted using the test of heterogeneity, effect dispersion, and moderator analysis (gender, age, research continent, quality of the studies, and types of attachment instruments). A significant and positive relationship (r = 0.39, p < 0 .05) was observed between Love Addiction and anxious attachment, while a significant and negative relationship was found with avoidant attachment (r = -0.09, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The systematic review and meta-analysis provide an important starting point for understanding and operationalizing the construct. The association with attachment styles allows postulating the relational nature of Love Addiction, differentiating it from other addictions. In addition, the association with anxious and avoidant attachment shows promise…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 3,628 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Understanding the factors influencing fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) damage in African smallholder maize fields and quantifying its impact on yield. A case study in Eastern Zimbabwe
- Alarming situation of emerging H5 and H7 avian influenza and effective control strategies
- Livestock and food security: vulnerability to population growth and climate change
- Atmosphere–ocean oxygen and productivity dynamics during early animal radiations
- Characterization of the global distribution and diversified plasmid reservoirs of the colistin resistance gene mcr-9
- The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pigs: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.