Tested the investment model against attachment classifications using 248 undergraduate and counselling course students (88 male, 151 female. Mean age = 26.9).  Measures used were Hazan and Shaver's Adult Attachment Questionnaire (1987) measure for attachment style and a questionairre to measure investment model variables based on the work of Rusbult (1983).

No significant gender differences were found in attachment distribution which was:

• 21% Avoidant
• 60% Secure
• 19% Anxious

Investment model variables were compared for the different attachment styles.  All results were significant (p < 0.05) except those for quality of alternatives.  Secure individuals scored highest on all investment model variables (costs and alternatives are reversed). Avoidant individuals scored particularly low on investments and also low on commitment. Anxious individuals perceived both high costs and rewards, which is a reflection of the central importance of relationships in their lives.

Results for those reporting current relationships, and those reporting a relationship which had previously ended, were compared.  It was found that past relationships are reported as having involved lower levels of satisfaction, rewards, investments and commitment, and higher levels of costs and quality of alternatives.

It should be noted that an interaction between attachment style and relationships status was calculated and found to be non-significant.  This indicates that the higher variable scores for secure individuals is not a product of their greater likelihood to be in a relationship and therefore reporting a current, rather than a past, relationship.