Conceptualizing love addiction within the attachment perspective: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cavalli, Roberta Gabriella and Feeney, Judith and Rogier, Guyonne and Velotti, Patrizia (2025) Conceptualizing love addiction within the attachment perspective: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS, 14 (2). pp. 611-629. ISSN 2062-5871

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Abstract

Background and aim The present study stems from the need to deepen knowledge regarding understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying Love Addiction (LA) and investigate the role of attachment style as a theoretical framework. We conducted a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of the investigated topics to achieve this objective. Method Five databases (PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science) systematically searched for studies that analyzed the relationship between LA and attachment dimensions, published in all years until September 23, 2024. Results Overall, we found 27 studies; of these, we included 15 in the meta-analysis, with 3,628 participants. The analyses were conducted using the test of heterogeneity, effect dispersion, and moderator analysis (gender, age, research continent, quality of the studies, and types of attachment instruments). A significant and positive relationship (r = 0.39, p < 0 .05) was observed between Love Addiction and anxious attachment, while a significant and negative relationship was found with avoidant attachment (r = −0.09, p < 0.05). Conclusions The systematic review and meta-analysis provide an important starting point for understanding and operationalizing the construct. The association with attachment styles allows postulating the relational nature of Love Addiction, differentiating it from other addictions. In addition, the association with anxious and avoidant attachment shows promise in understanding Love Addict subtypes.

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