Secure attachments in adolescence are associated with better outcomes in which domains?

• A. Autonomy, emotion regulation, and social functioning
• B. Academic performance only
• C. Physical growth only
• D. Sleep quality only

Answer: (C)

Secure attachments provide a stable base that supports how teens manage emotions, explore independence, and relate to others. When adolescents feel securely connected, they tend to regulate their feelings more effectively, feel more confident in taking on new responsibilities, and interact with peers in healthier, more cooperative ways. These improvements show up most clearly in autonomy, emotion regulation, and social functioning. While academic performance, physical growth, and sleep quality can be influenced by many factors, they are not as directly tied to attachment security as these core social–emotional domains.