Gender Differences in the Association between Circadian Preference and Attachment Style

Abstract

Objective The present study aims to explore gender differences in the association between circadian preference and attachment style in a community sample. Methods A total of 171 community-dwelling adults (98 males and 73 females, mean age=41.06±8.21 years) were recruited. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) was used to measure the circadian preferences, and attachment style was assessed by the Relationship Style Questionnaire (RSQ). The Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to assess depressive symptoms. The association between circadian preference and attachment style was examined by gender. Results The MEQ significantly predicted dismissing attachment (β=−0.254, p=0.001) and fearful attachment (β=−0.177, p=0.016) after controlling for age, gender, and the CES-D score. The MEQ predicted dismissing attachment (β=−0.372, p=0.002) and fearful attachment (β=−0.237, p=0.040) in males, but not in females after controlling for age and CES-D score. Conclusion The current finding suggests an association between circadian preference and attachment style, which differed by gender. Key Words: Key WordsCircadian preferences; Morningness-eveningness; Attachment style; Gender