Author: Regina E. Lema and Jamal J. Athuman

Abstract: The study investigated the attachment styles exhibited by preschool teachers in Morogoro Municipality and whether demographic variables have significant influences on their attachment patterns. The study utilized the well-established Relationship Scale Questionnaire (RSQ) to assess attachment patterns among a sample of 71 preschool teachers. The findings revealed that the most prevalent attachment style among the teachers was a secure attachment, with 60% of the respondents displaying this pattern. However, a significant proportion of teachers demonstrated insecure attachment styles, with 25% exhibiting insecure-avoidant patterns and 15% displaying insecure-anxious patterns. This indicates that the majority of preschool teachers in the area have the capacity to establish emotionally secure connections with their students, contributing to a safe and supportive learning environment. The study also explored attachment styles based on teacher variables such as sex, age, education level, and years of teaching experience. Interestingly, no statistically significant gender differences in attachment styles were found, (p > 0.05) indicating that promoting secure attachment is equally important for both female and male teachers.

Keywords: Attachment styles, Relationship Scale Questionnaire (RSQ), Secure attachment, Insecure attachment, Avoidant patterns, and Anxious patterns