ABSTRACT
Introduction: Attachment theory, a psychological framework by J. Bowlby, explains the bond between infants and their caregivers, emphasizing the importance of a secure base for exploration. It has significant implications in psychology, education, and parenting, explaining how early experiences shape personality and behavior. In sports, attachment theory is underutilized, with most research focusing on the relationship between coaches and athletes. Secure attachments with coaches lead to positive performance, motivation, and overall well-being, with individual and team sports athletes scoring higher on autonomy and conscientiousness.
Aim: The aim of the study was to explore whether there may be a correlation between the type of attachment and the sport choice.
Material & Methods: It was an observational, cross-sectional study. For the study, the Greek adaptation of Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment for Children was used to assess the attachment to parents and peers. One hundred twenty questionnaires were distributed to swimmers and water-polo athletes in Attica, Greece, competitively.
Results: In the study participated 29 females and 38 males, where no statistically significant correlation was found between the choice of sport and attachment type. The participant’s gender had an impact on the sport they chose.
Conclusion: The results of the study didn’t confirm the initial hypothesis, and this is most likely relating to the research’s limitations. Thus, the survey should be administered again with several adjustments to the structure. This study provides a well starting point for further analysis.
Key words: attachment theory, type of attachment, sport choice, insecure individuals, secure individuals, parental attachment, IPPA-25
