Perkins, Devon M., authorFruhauf, Christine, advisorHarvey, Ashley, advisorLucas-Thompson Graham, Rachel, committee memberHarman, Jennifer, committee member2016-08-182016-08-182016http://hdl.handle.net/10217/176715Current literature on romantic attachments using attachment theory is lacking in emerging adulthood since research has been focused mostly on adolescence and adulthood. Few researchers have used qualitative methods to expand the knowledge of romantic attachments, especially in the context of the formation process. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of emerging adults in the formation of romantic attachments. The data collected contains the experiences of emerging adults with varying attachment styles in romantic attachment development. Participants completed the ECR-S and were identified into one of four attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganized, before being invited to participate. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with 14 college students (ages 18-22 years) at Colorado State University. Thematic analysis occurred by peer examination and collaborative coding to condense salient categories and themes. The thematic analysis resulted in nine coding categories that include: (a) relationship beginnings, (b) milestones, turning points, and firsts in relationships, (c) partner attributes, (d) expressions of affection in relationships, (e) development/knowledge about self and relationships, (f) communication within relationships, (g) support and comfort within relationships, (h) relationship conflict and strains, (i) contextual factors and outside influences on relationship. Experiences in the formation of romantic attachments in emerging adulthood were found to be aligned with how the existing literature suggests that adults form attachments with a few differences in technology use and the development of emerging adults' self-concepts. Findings support and extend literature on attachment theory in the context of romantic relationships.born digitalmasters thesesengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.Text