Civic and moral disangagement, weak personal beliefs and unhappiness: A survey study of the "famiglia lunga" phenomenon in Italy

In Italy, the transition from adolescence to adulthood has been lengthening. There is disagreement about whether this is a healthy adaptation to current socioeconomic conditions or a sign of excessive dependency and insecure anxious attachment (Flett, Endler, & Besser, 2009; Maione & Franceschini, 1999; Scabini & Cigoli, 1997; Scabini & Marta, 1996). We report a study of 1570 Italian undergraduates at the University of Padova, exploring relations between: living choice; attachment style; religious, spiritual, and personal beliefs; civic and moral disengagement; and perceived happiness. Living on one’s own was associated with avoidant or secure attachment, being more engaged in society, and stronger personal and spiritual beliefs. Living both with parents and in other living conditions was associated with anxious attachment, weaker personal beliefs but stronger religious beliefs, greater civic and moral disengagement, and greater unhappiness. Regardless of living arrangements, anxious attachment was related to civic and moral disengagement, weaker personal beliefs, and greater unhappiness. Insecure avoidant attachment was related to civic and moral disengagement and weaker religious and spiritual beliefs.