The relationship between attachment styles and contraceptive intent among female University of Limpopo Students, South Africa

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between attachment styles and contraceptive intent among female University of Limpopo students in South Africa. The primary hypotheses proposed positive associations between secure attachment and high contraceptive intent, as well as varying relationships for avoidant and anxious attachment styles. Utilising multinomial logistic regression analysis, the study found no significant overall relationship between attachment styles and contraceptive intent, with a chi-square value of 8.992 and a p-value of 0.774. Notably, avoidant attachment was associated with low contraceptive intent, while anxious attachment was associated with high intent. Secure attachment showed no significant effect. The Pseudo R-squared values indicated weak predictive power, with Cox and Snell at 0.023, Nagelkerke at 0.116, and McFadden at 0.106. These results suggest that attachment styles may not be reliable predictors of contraceptive behaviour, highlighting the need for further research into additional factors influencing contraceptive intent. The study underscores the complexity of reproductive decision-making and emphasises the importance of exploring diverse populations and contextual influences in future research.