In safe hands: Attachment figures’ safety properties and the link with attachment style

Abstract

According to the Learning Theory of Attachment, naturalistic learning experiences about others' responsiveness during distress are an underlying mechanism in the development of attachment. Previous studies have demonstrated attachment figures' unique safety-inducing effects in highly controlled conditioning procedures. Yet, neither have studies examined the presumed influence of safety learning on state attachment, nor have they examined how attachment figures' safety-inducing effects relate to attachment styles. To address these gaps, a differential fear conditioning paradigm was used in which pictures of participants’ attachment figure and two control stimuli served as safety cues (CS-). US-expectancy and distress ratings were measured as indicators of fear responding.Results indicate that attachment figures evoked enhanced safety responding compared to control safety cues at the start of acquisition, which was maintained throughout acquisition and when presented together with a danger cue. Attachment figures' safety-inducing effects were reduced in individuals with higher attachment avoidance, although attachment style did not affect the rate of new safety learning. Finally, safe experiences with the attachment figure in the fear conditioning procedure resulted in diminished anxious state attachment. Adding to previous work, these findings underscore the importance of learning processes for attachment development and attachment figures’ provision of safety.