The discovery of existential themes according to attachment styles: Phenomenological study of the relational world of young adults

Relationships are part of human life. Attachment theory explains causes of strong bonds that are establish with others. These bonds have been subject to many investigations. Existentialist approach focuses on humans relationships. Literature does not contain studies that include both attachment styles and existential approaches. The aim of this study is to try to understand the relational world experiences according to the attachment styles of individuals and to investigate existential themes that arise in these experiences. The sample consists of 8 participants (4 females and 4 males) living in Kayseri. Each participant evaluated "Relationships Scales Questionnaire" given to them and then one-to-one and face-to-face interviews were conducted with them. In these interviews, recordings were taken with the consent of the participants. Data gathered through the interviews was analyzed with a qualitative research method interpretative phenomenological analysis technique. Results showed 4 major themes, namely "physical, social, personal and spiritual dimensions of relationships". Each major theme was divided into different numbers of sub-themes. All themes are discussed taking into consideration research results in the relevant literature. Keywords: Existentialist Approach, Attachment Styles, Human Relations, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.