The Dual Function Model of Attachment Security Priming: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Evidence.

Ting Ai,Gery C Karantzas,Omri Gillath

doi:10.3390/ijerph17218093

Abstract

According to attachment theory, security providing attachment figures fulfill two main functions: (1) safe haven—providing safety and comfort and reducing stress—helping people regain a sense of security; and (2) secure base—providing resources and a base from which people can spring into action. According to the Dual Function of Security Priming Model, security priming can result in one of two outcomes paralleling these two functions. Which outcome is likely to present itself depends on the level of stress imposed by the context. Here we describe the Dual Function Model of Security Priming (DFSP) Model and provide evidence from a study examining the effects of attachment security priming on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity. In the study, participants were exposed to security-related cues under high or low/no-stress conditions, while their salivary cortisol concentrations were measured. Cortisol is a suitable index as it is released not only in response to stress, but also more generally when energy needs to be mobilized. We found that while security priming led to significant decreases in salivary cortisol concentrations when presented after a stressor (stress reduction), it led to a significant increase in salivary cortisol concentrations when presented before the stressor (energy mobilization).

Highlights

Attachment security reflects a set of mental representations in which one perceives the self as competent and worthy of love and support, and others as reliable, trustworthy, willing to meet one’s emotional needs, and provide help and support when needed [1,2,3]
We found that while security priming led to significant decreases in salivary cortisol concentrations when presented after a stressor, it led to a significant increase in salivary cortisol concentrations when presented before the stressor
What might explain why security priming is associated with these two broad outcome types? To answer this question and explain the divide, we proposed the Dual Function Model of Security Priming (DFSP) [15]

Summary

Introduction

Attachment security reflects a set of mental representations in which one perceives the self as competent and worthy of love and support, and others as reliable, trustworthy, willing to meet one’s emotional needs, and provide help and support when needed [1,2,3]. Attachment security develops through interactions with caregivers that are available and responsive during times of need [1,2,3]. Whereas the trait-based component is relatively stable over time, and across situations and relationships, the state-based component reflects aspects of attachment security that are responsive to contextual or environmental cues [7,8]. A person’s sense of attachment security can temporarily increase or decrease in response to external cues. Researchers are using this fact in their priming studies to manipulate one’s sense of attachment (in)security

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