Clarifying the associations among belongingness, setting life goals, need satisfaction and positive orientations: The model testing in accordance with the attachment styles

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the associations among belongingness, setting life goals, need satisfaction and positive orientations. In current paper, the positive orientations model, in which the associations of need satisfaction, belongingness and setting life goals on positive orientation was evaluated, was developed and tested by means of structural equation modelling. It was also aimed to verify the positive orientations model in accordance with attachment styles. The research group composed of 821 university students filled out the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale (BPNSS), Setting Life Goals Scale (SLGS), Three Dimensioned Attachment Styles Scale (TDASS), General Belongingness Scale (GBS), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Self-Esteem Scale (SES), Life Orientation Test (LOT). As a result of structural equation modeling, belongingness and setting life goals has a positive direct association on need satisfaction. Additionally, need satisfaction has a positive direct association on positive orientations. After the students which participated in study were classified with regard to the attachment styles, the model was assessed in terms of three attachment styles. Moreover, the model showed acceptable fit for only individuals with secure attachment style. The model did not demonstrate sufficient fit for individuals with avoidant attachment style and anxious-ambivalent attachment styles.