The Energizing Quality of Secure Relationships

1. Abstract

1.1. The paper reviews three different studies, all of which confirmed the hypothesis that healthy relationships lead to feelings of security, increased levels of energy, and a willingness to explore.

2. Background

2.1. Psychiatrist John Bowlby is the originator of attachment theory in psychology. He proposed the fact that attachment serves an evolutionary purpose by providing feelings of safety and security. This ensures survival.

2.1.1. Further literature has been consistent with Bowlby's belief that secure relationships also lead to a feeling of security.

2.2. While Bowlby's work was centred around security, there had been very little research on the possibility that this security can also lead to increased energy and thus, a willingness to explore.

2.2.1. In other types of research, secure individuals were more likely to have higher levels of energy and vitality.

2.2.2. Individuals with high attachment anxiety usually lack the energy and willingness to explore.

3. Results

3.1. While participants under 29 reported higher levels of energy, this factor was ignored as nearly 80% of all participants belonged to this age group.

3.2. Participants in secure, satisfying relationships reported significantly higher levels of energy.

3.2.1. Participants who reported avoidant behaviour did not differ from participants who reported anxious behavior.

3.3. Participants who were in secure, satisfying relationships also reported a higher willingness to explore.

3.4. While all 3 studies confirmed the hypothesis that security leads to energy and a willingness to explore, studies 2 and 3 indicated that a willingness to explore was a result of increased energy instead of feelings of security.

4. Discussion

4.1. While all 3 studies confirmed the hypothesis, it is noteworthy that all surveys were done online and it is impossible to know other psychological factors that could have contributed to the responses.

4.2. It is worthy to research whether increased levels of energy help couples cope with hardship and threatening situations.

5. Conclusion

5.1. All 3 studies are consistent with Bowlby's hypothesis that having secure attachment figures leads to increased exploration.

5.2. All studies also confirm that secure relationships lead to significantly higher levels of energy (which also leads to a willingness to explore).