The number of intimate partners a person has throughout their life could be determined as early as infancy. At least that’s the theory being investigated by University of the Sunshine Coast researcher Francesca Sassi. She is conducting a survey to see whether early attachment patterns between infants and their primary caregivers – generally parents – set the foundation for an individual’s relationship life.

The psychology honours student said the early affectional bonds between children and their caregivers, known as attachment, had significant impacts on their attitudes towards romantic love when developed into adulthood. Those attitudes, in turn, could determine how many intimate partners were chosen across a lifetime.

“According to research, adults demonstrate the same attachment patterns with their romantic love partners as those that stem from their relationships with early caregivers,” Francesca said. “My study seeks to link specific attachment styles with attitudes towards romantic love and evaluate their influence on the number of intimate partners people have had.”

The 22 year old said the community could benefit from knowing more about the psychological effects that early attachment patterns had on attitudes and behaviours within romantic love relationships. “Further knowledge in this area may help the general public in making their relationships better,” she said.

“This study is focused on creating personal and community awareness but it also can be applied to parenting as well. “The attachments that parents have with their children – whether they are secure, anxious or involve avoidance – create attachment styles that continue throughout life.”

As part of her research, Francesca last week launched an online survey for University of Sunshine Coast students to complete anonymously. More than 100 completed it within two days and she is confident she will reach her target of 300 respondents before the survey closes on September 11. The findings will be published later this year.