The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among college age student's experiences in close friendship, emotional autonomy and reasons to live. This study was grounded in Attachment Theory and College Student Development. A sample of undergraduate students was drawn from one Southeastern U.S. university. A total of 441 participants completed an online survey, including the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised scale, Emotional Autonomy subscale, College Students Reasons to Live Inventory and a five-item demographic questionnaire. The data were analyzed by means of Pearson correlations, stepwise multiple regression analysis, and multiple analysis of covariance. Results indicated a significant negative association between attachment anxiety and reasons to live implying that students that are more confident in a friends' responsiveness within a close friendship reported more reasons to live. Results also indicated a significant negative association between attachment avoidance and reasons to live implying that students that are more comfortable being close to a friend within a close friendship reported more reasons to live. Results further indicated that gender and ethnicity influence specific reasons to live, such as responsibilities to friends and family, moral obligations, college and future related concerns and fear of suicide. Findings suggest that attachment avoidance and dependence on parents, as well as gender are predictors of reasons to live. Results of the study are presented, limitations are addressed, and the implications with regard to theory, counseling practice, research and future directions are discussed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]