An investigation of relationship satisfaction and perception of loneliness according to attachment styles of emerging adults dating on digital platforms

The current study investigated relationship satisfaction and perception of loneliness according to attachment styles of emerging adults dating on digital platforms. Based on this objective, 458 participants aged 18-25 were included in the study. For data collection, Demographic Information Form, The Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory-II, The Relationship Satisfaction Scale and The UCLA Loneliness Scale. According to the results of the correlation analysis, it was found that there was a significant negative relationship between the relationship satisfaction of the female and male participants, the perception of loneliness, and the anxiety sub-dimension and avoidance sub-dimension of attachment styles. On the other hand, it was found that there was a positive and significant relationship between the perception of loneliness and the anxiety sub-dimension and avoidance sub-dimension of attachment styles of male and female participants. According to the independent group's t-test results, it was observed that there was no difference in relationship satisfaction, perception of loneliness, anxious attachment style and avoidant attachment style according to gender. It was seen that male participants' relationship satisfaction scale scores were significantly higher than female participants, and female participants' loneliness scores, anxiety sub-dimension scores and avoidance sub-dimension scores were significantly higher than male participants. The study's findings were evaluated with the literature, the study's limitations and its contribution to the literature were determined, and suggestions for future studies were presented.