Attachment orientations predicting loneliness: The role of self-determined and non-self-determined solitude

Samantha G. O, Daniel J. Brown, Ashleigh B. Bryant, Hugh A. Hampton, Daniel J. Phipps, Jacob J. Keech, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, School of Health, and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyvaskyla

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

Published online on April 21, 2026

Abstract

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Ahead of Print.
Loneliness has been identified as a global health concern and its prevalence is increasing. Attachment theory and self-determination theory can provide insight into the underlying factors which may cause people to feel lonely. This study examined whether ...