A Comparative Study of Attachment, Loneliness and Depression Among Male and Female College Students

This study examined correlations and gender differences among college students on social loneliness, emotional loneliness, anxious attachment style, avoidant attachment style and depression. The sample comprised of 55 males (Meanage=21.3, sd=5.6) and 55 females (Meanage=20.09, sd=5.2) in the age range of 19 to 22 years. The following tests were administered: Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale, Experiences in Close Relationships, Self rating Depression Scale. Results revealed positive and significant relationships between social loneliness, emotional loneliness, depression, anxious and avoidant attachment styles among college students. However, significant gender differences emerged only on avoidant attachment style and emotional loneliness.