A longitudinal network analysis of the relationship between love addiction, insecure attachment patterns, and interpersonal dependence

Abstract

The present study utilized a web-based analytic approach designed to explore the interrelationships between love addiction, attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and interpersonal dependence. The study sample consisted of 80 (N = 160) couples in a romantic relationship using a longitudinal study with online self-assessment at the beginning of the study and three months after the study. Results indicated that attachment anxiety was strongly associated with lack of self-confidence, attachment avoidance was associated with autonomy, and love addiction was positively associated with emotional dependence and negatively associated with attachment avoidance. These results reveal a relationship between love addiction, insecure attachment patterns and interpersonal dependency dimensions. The extent of love addiction and insecure attachment patterns can be mitigated by severing ties, thereby improving the mental health of both couples.