Levels of anxious and avoidant attachment are influenced by age, sex and ecological stress. However, incongruencies on how these factors exactly affect anxious and avoidant attachment styles remain...Show moreLevels of anxious and avoidant attachment are influenced by age, sex and ecological stress. However, incongruencies on how these factors exactly affect anxious and avoidant attachment styles remain. The current study aims to strengthen current theories with a large and diverse sample, as well as to close the gaps in research. It therefore researches the effect of age, sex and ecological stress on anxious and avoidant attachment using a web-based version of the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) questionnaire (N = 44,885; 30,766 females, 14,119 males, age range: 13-59). Ecological stress was evaluated using the United Nations’ Human Development Index (HDI). Results showed highest levels of anxious attachment in early adolescence, and lower levels in older age groups. Levels of avoidant attachment did not differ between all age groups, but were highest among 16-19 year olds and lowest among 50-59 year olds. Females showed higher levels of both anxious and avoidant attachment. Sex differences in anxious attachment were largest in adulthood, while sex differences in avoidant attachment were largest around early adolescence, smallest in middle adulthood, and increased again in older adulthood. Levels of anxious and avoidant attachment were highest in countries with a medium HDI, and lowest in countries with a low HDI. There was no significant effect for the two-way interaction between sex and HDI for both anxious and avoidant attachment. Suggestions for future research are discussed.Show less
Sub Saharan Africa has recently enjoyed high economic growth rates. Many economists and developmentalists now consider that Africa is rising. Trade is seen as the prominent reason for this growth...Show moreSub Saharan Africa has recently enjoyed high economic growth rates. Many economists and developmentalists now consider that Africa is rising. Trade is seen as the prominent reason for this growth in gross domestic product and aid has slowly been phased out. Trade within the foreign aid debate has acquired many supporters. However behind these economic growth figures human development and inequality are still large issues. In this thesis it will be examined to what extent trade as the opposite of aid leads to increased human development and equality. The text explores the problems associated with aid, the focus on foreign investment and economic growth without an increase in human development or equality. It will be established that solely trade does not increase human development or equality. It is hoped this study will provide insight into how economic growth and declining human development and equality rates can exist side by side.Show less
