Explanation of separation anxiety and abondonment schema in adults with divorced parents in terms of attachments styles

The aim of this research is to explain separation anxiety and abandonment schema in adults who have experienced parental divorce in terms of attachment styles. The study was conducted with 260 individuals residing in Turkey for four months between 2022 and 2023. The data of the study were obtained using the Adult Separation Anxiety Scale, Relationship Scales Questionnaire, Abandonment Schema Subscale, and a Demographic Information Form. The SPSS 25.0 (The Statistical Packet for The Social Sciences) package program was used for data analysis. According to the results of the research, there was a significant positive relationship between adult separation anxiety, fearful attachment style, preoccupied attachment style, and abandonment schema variables. However, no significant relationship was found between secure attachment style, dismissive attachment style, and the variables of separation anxiety and abandonment schema. According to the results of simple linear regression analysis conducted in line with the main aim of the research, the fearful and preoccupied attachment style variables significantly and positively predicted separation anxiety and abandonment schema variables. However, it was observed that secure and dismissive attachment styles did not statistically predict separation anxiety and abandonment schema. This study provides findings that can be helpful in emphasizing and understanding the impact of insecure attachment styles when working with mental health professionals who work with adults who have experienced parental divorce in relation to their concerns about separation or being abandoned in their own relationships.