Abstract
ObjectivesConverging studies have confirmed a robust relationship between attachment and mindfulness, leading to the proposition that dispositional mindfulness originates from early interpersonal relationships. Despite this assertion, few studies have examined these relationships in adolescents and young adults. Theoretical linkages between mindfulness, attachment, relationships, and self-regulation suggest that attachment may be linked to mindfulness via self-regulatory capacity. This study examined the direct effect of attachment on dispositional mindfulness in adolescents and young adults, as well as indirect effects via attentional control and emotion regulation.MethodsParticipants were 421 adolescents and young people age 12–24 years (M = 17, SD = 4.10). They completed a self-report survey measuring attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, dispositional mindfulness, attentional control (AC), and emotion regulation (ER).ResultsThere was a moderate effect of attachment anxiety 95% CI [− 1.45, − 0.93], and a small effect of attachment avoidance 95% CI [− 1.27, − 0.44] on mindfulness. Attachment anxiety was indirectly related to mindfulness via AC, 95% CI [− 0.32, − 10], and ER, [− 0.80, − 0.41], as was attachment avoidance (AC, 95% CI [− 44, − 0.10], ER, 95% CI [− 0.52, − 0.19]. Serial mediation analyses revealed serial paths from AC through ER and ER through AC with small effect sizes relative to individual mediators.ConclusionsLevels of dispositional mindfulness in adolescents were linked to attachment insecurity dimensions through attention control and emotion regulation. Attachment dimension-specific differences were noted; for the anxiety dimension, emotion regulation exerts a stronger mediating effect.
Highlights
Medium negative correlations emerged between dispositional mindfulness and attachment anxiety, r = − 0.44, p < 0.001; attachment avoidance, r = − 0.28, p < 0.001; attentional control, r = 0.54, p < 0.001; and difficulties in emotion regulation, r = 0.62, p < 0.001
The standardized coefficients indicate a moderate effect size for anxiety, β = − 0.40, 95% CI [− 1.45, − 0.93], and a small effect size for avoidance, β = − 0.18, 95% CI [− 1.27, − 0.44]. This confirms that each attachment dimension is a unique predictor of dispositional mindfulness when the effect of the other dimension is controlled
For each unit increase in attachment anxiety and avoidance, dispositional mindfulness scores decreased by 1.19 and 0.86 units respectively
Summary
Converging studies have confirmed a robust relationship between attachment and mindfulness, leading to the proposition that dispositional mindfulness originates from early interpersonal relationships. Despite this assertion, few studies have examined these relationships in adolescents and young adults. This study examined the direct effect of attachment on dispositional mindfulness in adolescents and young adults, as well as indirect effects via attentional control and emotion regulation. Methods Participants were 421 adolescents and young people age 12–24 years (M = 17, SD = 4.10) They completed a selfreport survey measuring attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, dispositional mindfulness, attentional control (AC), and emotion regulation (ER). Serial mediation analyses revealed serial paths from AC through ER and ER through AC with small effect sizes relative to individual mediators
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
