From Plushies to Partnerships: The Impact of Childhood Comfort Objects on Adult Attachments
Location
Room 232, Schewel Hall
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Presentation Type
Oral presentation
Entry Number
2398
Start Date
4-16-2025 2:45 PM
End Date
4-16-2025 3:00 PM
School
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Department
Psychology
Keywords
attachment, comfort objects, attachment theory, early childhood, stuffed animals
Abstract
Early childhood comfort objects, such as stuffed animals and blankets, have historically provided emotional security. However, their long-term psychological effects remain under-examined. This study explored whether or not early childhood attachment to comfort objects predicts adult attachment style. Drawing on attachment theory, 128 participants completed measures for childhood comfort object attachment, adult attachment style, and parent attachment. Statistical comparisons will determine correlations between early attachment to objects and secure, anxious, or avoidant adult attachment patterns. Findings might highlight how early non-human attachment influences relational dynamics, including emotion regulation and treatment interventions.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Virginia Cylke, Ei Hlaing
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Psychological Science/Psychology
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From Plushies to Partnerships: The Impact of Childhood Comfort Objects on Adult Attachments
Room 232, Schewel Hall
Early childhood comfort objects, such as stuffed animals and blankets, have historically provided emotional security. However, their long-term psychological effects remain under-examined. This study explored whether or not early childhood attachment to comfort objects predicts adult attachment style. Drawing on attachment theory, 128 participants completed measures for childhood comfort object attachment, adult attachment style, and parent attachment. Statistical comparisons will determine correlations between early attachment to objects and secure, anxious, or avoidant adult attachment patterns. Findings might highlight how early non-human attachment influences relational dynamics, including emotion regulation and treatment interventions.