Attachment Patterns, Communication Styles, and Ghosting Behaviour Among Indian Emerging Adults

This study examines the relationship between ghosting behaviour, communication style, and attachment patterns among Indian youth who are increasingly using digital platforms to form romantic relationships. With the growing use of online communication, ghosting—defined as the sudden and unexplained termination of contact—has become a common relational phenomenon. Despite its prevalence, limited research has explored the psychological aspects of ghosting within the Indian cultural context. This study aims to investigate whether communication style acts as a mediating factor in the relationship between attachment styles (anxiety and avoidance) and ghosting behaviour. The research is grounded in attachment theory and interpersonal communication frameworks. Data were collected from 151 emerging adults aged 18–30 using a quantitative, correlational research design. The instruments included the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale – Short Version (ECR-S), the Communication Style Survey, and a researcher-developed Ghosting Behaviour Questionnaire. Correlational analysis revealed significant positive relationships between insecure attachment patterns and ghosting behaviour. Individuals with higher levels of attachment anxiety or avoidance were more likely to engage in or experience ghosting. Communication style was also significantly associated with both attachment insecurity and ghosting, indicating its central role in relationship disengagement. Mediation analysis further showed that communication style partially mediates the relationship between insecure attachment and ghosting behaviour. This suggests that internal relational patterns influenced by attachment styles may translate into ghosting through maladaptive communication behaviours. Path analysis supported these findings, demonstrating strong predictive links between attachment styles, communication difficulties, and ghosting behaviour. Additionally, one-sample t-test results confirmed the significant presence of these variables within the study sample. Overall, the findings highlight the psychological and communicative mechanisms underlying ghosting in digitally mediated relationships among Indian emerging adults.