Abstract

This study assesses the moderating influence of parental and peer attachment on hedonistic behavior among a sample of youth in Malaysia. Using Bronfenbrenner’s theory of human ecology and Armsden and Greenberg’s attachment model, this study examines the direct and indirect influence of religiosity and worldview on the development of hedonistic behavior as moderated through parental and peer attachment. Drawing on a quantitative survey of 408 Malaysian university students (M age = 21.0, SD = .40), structural equation modeling and path analysis findings reveal that peer attachment moderated the relationship between religiosity and worldview, and hedonistic behavior. The results further show the unique moderating effect of trust and alienation within peer attachment. The results are discussed in light of Malaysia’s unique socio-cultural setting. Implications from the findings are also discussed.

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