Attachment styles and dating app use: a PRISMA-based systematic literature review

Topino, E, Griffiths, MD ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8880-6524 and Gori, A, 2026. Attachment styles and dating app use: a PRISMA-based systematic literature review. European Psychologist. ISSN 1016-9040

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Abstract

Dating apps have become an increasingly prominent context for romantic and sexual interactions, and their use has attracted growing research attention in scientific literature. In light of this, the present systematic review investigated the association between adult attachment styles and dating app use. Following the updated 2020 PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across three electronic scientific databases (Scopus, PubMed, and PsycINFO), resulting in eight peer-reviewed empirical studies that met the inclusion criteria. Across the eight studies, anxious attachment was consistently associated with more frequent dating app use, emotionally driven motives (e.g., connection, self-esteem), and higher levels of engagement in problematic dating app use. In contrast, findings on avoidant attachment were mixed: while some studies reported lower use and interest in dating apps, others showed positive associations with specific motives such as escapism, self-regulation, or instrumental interaction. In some cases, avoidant attachment was also associated with problematic use. Secure attachment appeared to be associated with a more regulated, intentional use. These findings support the relevance of attachment theory in understanding online relational behaviors and highlight implications for clinical interventions targeting emotionally dysregulated dating app use.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	European Psychologist
Creators:	Topino, E., Griffiths, M.D. and Gori, A.
Publisher:	Hogrefe Publishing Group
Date:	14 January 2026
ISSN:	1016-9040
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1027/1016-9040/a000576 DOI 2559167 Other
Rights:	This version of the article may not completely replicate the final authoritative version published in European Psychologist at https://doi.org/10.1027/1016-9040/a000576 It is not the version of record and is therefore not suitable for citation.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Laura Borcherds
Date Added:	23 Jan 2026 11:34
Last Modified:	23 Jan 2026 11:34
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/55102

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