Gender Differential Analysis of Closeness, Dependency and Anxiety Attachment Styles among College Going Students in Punjab.

This study investigates gender differences in attachment styles among college students in Punjab, focusing on closeness, dependency, and anxiety in relationships with family, romantic partners, and close friends. The sample comprised 420 undergraduate students, equally divided between males and females, aged 18-22. Results indicate significant gender disparities in attachment styles across different relational contexts. Males reported higher levels of closeness in family and romantic relationships, while females exhibited greater dependency and anxiety in familial settings. No significant gender differences were observed in attachment styles with close friends, suggesting that friendships serve as an equalizing domain for emotional connection. These findings highlight the influence of traditional gender roles and cultural norms on relationship behaviors, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities. Future research should explore the longitudinal changes in attachment styles and their broader implications for relational and mental health in the Indian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]