An Enquiry into the Predictive Power of the Theory of Planned Behavior for Attachment Styles of Housewives

Aim: As one of the most important factors in interpersonal interactions, attachment style develops in childhood and continues in future according to the context where one grows. The aim of this study was to explore the predictive power of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) for attachment styles in housewives in Birjand, Iran. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 200 housewives referring to health centers in Birjand in 2016. The participants were selected by the cluster sampling method, and were assessed using Collins and Read’s Adult Attachment Style Questionnaire (RASS) and a researcher-made questionnaire with regard to the constructs of TPB. The data were analyzed in SPSS-19 using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, stepwise regression, ANOVA, and ANCOVA tests. The significance level was set at P values less than 0.05. Findings: A significant negative correlation between marriage duration and anxious attachment style (r=-0.145) and a significant positive correlation between marriage age and secure attachment style (r=0.180) was found. The avoidant attachment style was correlated positively with attitude and perceived behavioral control variables, and the anxious attachment style was associated negatively with attitude and perceived behavioral control variables. The attitude and subjective norms constructs predicted 6.7% of the avoidant attachment style, while attitude predicted 4.6% of the anxious attachment style. Conclusion: TPB is a weak predictor of attachment styles. Thereby, indirect effective factors and contributors to attachment styles should be identified.