Anxious Attachment Style Research Articles

Attachment style and premenstrual symptom severity: the mediating role of maladaptive emotion regulation

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe present study examined the relationship between attachment and premenstrual symptoms, and the mediating role of maladaptive emotion regulation.MethodAttachment orientation, maladaptive emotion regulation, and premenstrual symptom severity were measured using a cross-sectional design among female university students who were naturally cycling (n = 165) or currently using hormonal contraception (HC) (n = 124).ResultsPartial correlations, controlling for age, cycle regularity, and general symptoms of psychopathology (depression, anxiety, and stress), revealed positive associations between maladaptive emotion regulation and premenstrual symptoms, and between anxious attachment and maladaptive emotion regulation for both groups of women. Moreover, among women who were naturally cycling, maladaptive emotion regulation positively mediated the relationship between anxious (but not avoidant) attachment and premenstrual symptom severity; anxious attachment was associated with more severe premenstrual symptoms via increased maladaptive emotion regulation. This same mediation pathway was not observed for participants currently using HC.ConclusionsThe findings highlight that a negative model of the self, which is characteristic of an anxious attachment style, may be a useful psychotherapeutic target for naturally cycling women who experience premenstrual symptoms. Further research and replication are required to confirm the potential moderating effect of HC and hormonal changes on these relationships.

Borderline personality features predict empathy for animals but not for children

Although empathy is not a defining feature of borderline personality disorder, there is a growing body of work suggesting deficits in some components of empathy toward humans. There is no research investigating the link between borderline personality features (BPF) and empathy toward animals, which may be less threatening to individuals that struggle in interpersonal relationships and fear rejection. We examined BPF and self-reported distress and viewing times of photographs depicting dogs and children in twelve adverse circumstances in a college student sample (N = 464) with trait empathy as a mediator in Study 1. BPF predicted distress to dog but not child photos. There were significant indirect effects of BPF on distress to dog and child photos through personal distress. In Study 2 (N = 524), we further examined the processes underlying these associations by modelling a serial mediation of BPF with distress to dog and child photos through anxious and avoidant attachment to trait empathy toward animals and humans. We replicated the finding that BPF predicted distress to dog but not child photos. BPF predicted both anxious and avoidant attachment styles, which negatively predicted empathy for humans and animals. Empathy for humans mediated the associations with distress for child photos whereas empathy for animals mediated the associations with distress for dog photos. Further research is needed to determine the causal pathways between BPF, attachment, and empathy to animals and humans.

Perceiving others as responsive lessens prejudice: The mediating roles of intellectual humility and attitude ambivalence

Can perceived responsiveness, the extent to which an individual feels understood, validated, and cared for by close others, reduce prejudiced attitudes? We hypothesized that perceived responsiveness by meaningful other people would increase recipients' intellectual humility and attitude ambivalence and that these changes would reduce prejudice. Five studies (total N = 3362), four of which were preregistered, manipulated perceived responsiveness by a specific person (Studies 1–3, 5) or measured the effects of perceived responsiveness by the closest social network of the recipient (Study 4). All studies supported the hypotheses. Specifically, Studies 1 and 2 found that perceived responsiveness increased intellectual humility and attitude ambivalence and reduced prejudice toward a group from a pre-determined list. Study 3 replicated these findings when participants freely chose the social group. In Study 4, perceived responsiveness from individuals' closest social networks predicted the dependent variables a few days afterward, controlling for positive and negative affect and social desirability. Finally, in Study 5, we added a condition of positive social interaction to rule out the possibility that the prior findings were due to recalling an affectively positive experience. The effect of perceived responsiveness on prejudice reduction (i.e., increased attitude favorability toward the social group) was not moderated by attitude certainty (Study 2), anxious or avoidant attachment style (Study 2), or attitude morality (Study 3). This work suggests that fostering perceived responsiveness can serve as a strategy for mitigating prejudice and promoting more open-minded attitudes.

Trust in relationships: a preliminary investigation of the influence of parental divorce, breakup experiences, adult attachment style, and close relationship beliefs on dyadic trust.

Trust is essential for establishing stable and fulfilling romantic relationships between partners. Development of trust, however, can be assumed to depend on many factors related to an individual's earlier experiences and relationship-related beliefs. This study aimed to investigate how adult attachment style (anxious, avoidant), experiences about parents' divorce and breakdown of one's own romantic relationship, and relationship beliefs are related to the level of dyadic trust in romantic relationships. The present study included 131 Turkish undergraduate university students (55.7% women) from different faculties. The research instrument had questions about parents' and respondents' own relationship status, Dyadic Trust Scale (DTS), Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory-Revised (ECR-R), and Inventory of Close Relationship Beliefs (ICRB), in addition to background questions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson correlations, regression analyses and mediation analyses. Respondents whose parents had divorced or who had experienced a relationship breakdown had lower dyadic trust scores than those without these experiences. The trust scores correlated negatively with anxious and avoidant attachment styles and positively with relationship belief scales, although the correlations to "external factors" were not statistically significant. In regression analysis, anxious and avoidant attachment styles explained 42% and relationship beliefs 25% of the variance in trust. The only significant predictor among beliefs was "individuality." Mediation analysis showed that the effects of anxious attachment style on trust were fully mediated by the relationship belief in "individuality." The avoidant attachment style had a direct relationship to trust. The results show that anxious attachment style influences trust via relationship beliefs, while avoidant attachment style has a strong direct effect on trust as well as weaker effects via beliefs. The results are discussed in the context of Turkish culture and horizontal collectivism.

Attachment and Social Connectedness: The Sequential Mediating Role of Inferiority and Perfectionism

A large body of research has been reported on the lifelong consequences of attachment, with social connectedness being one of the main related factors. It is thus crucial to determine the mediating variables in the relationship between attachment and social connectedness. To better understand the relationship between anxious and avoidant attachment styles and social connectedness among university students, this study investigated the sequential mediating roles of inferiority and perfectionism. The study involved 390 undergraduate students (257 female, 133 male) enrolled in various undergraduate programs. Data was collected through various scales including the Experiences in Close Relationships, Almost Perfect Scale, Social Connectedness, and Inferiority Scale. Structural equation modeling shows that adaptive perfectionism partially mediates the relationship between avoidant attachment and social connectedness. Additionally, inferiority functions as a mediator between anxious attachment and maladaptive perfectionism, while maladaptive perfectionism partially functions as a mediator between inferiority and social connection. The results suggest that it would be beneficial for practitioners to address inferiority and perfectionism so as to promote social connectedness among undergraduate students. Keywords: Attachment, inferiority, perfectionism, social connectedness

Attachment patterns

From the moment we are born, until we reach adulthood, we depend on our parents and those who raise us. We have the need to create and form relationships, and, in order to be able to create them in a healthy, stable and harmonious way, it is fundamental to learn about the attachment patterns. The hypothesis of our research was to validate our own questionnaire measuring attachment patterns in adulthood. The tools we used were the questionnaires applied successively, and the first was the one containing the 117 items made up by us. After eliminating the questions that did not respect the normality, we applied the final form of the questionnaire, which includes 90 items. We used the Read and Collins Adult Attachment Scale (AAS) to help us validate our own measurement questionnaire, so we calculated the Alpha Cronbach coefficient, which indicated a high understanding for all three attachment styles, due to the fact that the coefficient values are greater than 0.6. This result indicates that our tool has consistency. Following the application of the Split-Half method, we obtained correlations that confirmed fidelity and consistency, being positive, between sets of questions in the case of scales that measure anxious, avoidant and secure attachment style, so we concluded the validity of questionnaires. The last part of the project boils down to identify the differences between women and men in the attachment style.

Gender differences in the relationship between attachment styles, self-esteem and online deception: A mediation model

Online Deception is growing as a topic of research due to its potential risks for mental health and behaviors. This study explored the relationships between attachment styles and intentional misrepresentation of oneself in online dating (i.e., online deception) and investigated the mediating role of self-esteem. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with voluntary Italian participants (N = 272) to test the proposed hypotheses. It was found that anxious attachment styles positively predicted online deception. Also, self-esteem was found to be mediator between anxious attachment styles and online deception, as well as between close attachment styles and online deception. Our results demonstrate the need to develop prevention interventions that target individuals’ styles of attachment that in turn foster self-esteem which co-contribute to promote a sensible and healthy use of online dating.

Relationship beliefs, attachment styles and depression among infertile women

The stigma of infertility in Pakistan has been conceded as a stressful clinical condition, significantly affecting women’s over all wellbeing and spousal relationships. The present study aimed to investigate the connection between relationship beliefs, attachment styles and depression among infertile women. Ex post facto research design was employed. A total sample of 80 infertile women (40 primary and 40 secondary infertility) with age range of 25–45 years participated in the study through purposive sampling from two infertility centers of Lahore city. Data was collected using demographic information form, relationship belief inventory (RBI), attachment style questionnaire (ASQ) and depression scale of symptom checklist-revised (SCL-R). Result indicates that beliefs of disagreement is destructive (DID), mindreading is expected (MIE) and anxious attachment style were positively correlated with depression. Mindreading is expected’ and anxious attachment’ style emerged as the predictors of depression. However, no significant differences were found between both groups of primary and secondary infertile women. Considering, the dysfunctional relationship beliefs and negative attachment style with spouse as significant correlate and predictor of depression in infertile women. It is suggested to devise intervention focused on alleviating psychological issues related to infertility.

Adult Attachment Styles of Adults Who Were Raised in Children’s Homes in Kenya

The type of care given during childhood has an impact on beliefs, attitudes, and expectations of future relationships. Being raised in a children’s home or other institutionalised care has been seen to increase the risk for emotional, cognitive, developmental and attachment disorders. Attachment styles are ways in which individuals emotionally connect or relate to others. The attachment style can either be secure, which is considered healthy or insecure which is considered unhealthy. The objective of this study was to find out the adult attachment styles among adults who were raised in children’s homes in Kenya. The study adopted the descriptive survey design, and 294 respondents were sampled via census approach. The questionnaire was used for data collection. The standardised revised Adult Attachment Scale was used to measure adult attachment styles. The results of the study showed that the anxious attachment style was the highest adult attachment style among the care leavers (M = 16.09, SD = 6.24), the secure attachment style (M = 15.90, SD = 4.91) and lastly, avoidant attachment (M = 12.63, SD = 4.14). On each of the attachment style domains, 42.9% had moderate secure attachment 78. % low avoidant attachment and 15.6% had a high anxious attachment style. Based on the findings, it is recommended that organisations supporting care leavers should facilitate periodic workshops on the impact of adult attachment style on care leavers in order to create awareness and provide support

Childhood maltreatment and adulthood victimization: An evidence-based model

There is ample evidence showing that childhood maltreatment increases two to three fold the risk of victimization in adulthood. Various risk factors, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, dissociation, self-blame, and alcohol abuse are related to revictimization. Although previous research examined associations between risk factors for revictimization, the evidence is limited and the proposed models mostly include a handful of risk factors. Therefore, it is critical to investigate a more comprehensive model explaining the link between childhood maltreatment and adulthood (re)victimization. Accordingly, this study tested a data-driven theoretical path model consisting of 33 variables (and their associations) that could potentially enhance understanding of factors explaining revictimization. Cross-sectional data derived from a multi-wave study were used for this investigation. Participants (N = 2156, age mean = 19.94, SD = 2.89) were first-year female psychology students in the Netherlands and New Zealand, who responded to a battery of questionnaires and performed two computer tasks. The path model created by structural equation modelling using modification indices showed that peritraumatic dissociation, PTSD symptoms, trauma load, loneliness, and drug use were important mediators. Attachment styles, maladaptive schemas, meaning in life, and sex motives connected childhood maltreatment to adulthood victimization via other factors (i.e., PTSD symptoms, risky sex behavior, loneliness, emotion dysregulation, and sex motives). The model indicated that childhood maltreatment was associated with cognitive patterns (e.g., anxious attachment style), which in turn were associated with emotional factors (e.g., emotion dysregulation), and then with behavioral factors (e.g., risky sex behavior) resulting in revictimization. The findings of the study should be interpreted in the light of the limitations. In particular, the cross-sectional design of the study hinders us from ascertaining that the mediators preceded the outcome variable.

Exploring the Relationship between Insecure Attachment Styles and Social Anxiety in Undergraduate Students

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the correlation between Avoidant and Anxious Attachment Styles and Social Anxiety, contributing to a deeper understanding of these interconnected factors among undergraduate students.
 Methodology: Convenient Sampling was used to recruit 350 participants aged 18-26 from Forman Christian College (FCCU) in Lahore, Pakistan. The study administered the Revised Adult Attachment Scale (R-AAS) for close relationships and the Social Anxiety Scale (SAS). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS v.20, with Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient, Simple Linear Regression, and Independent Sample t-Test applied.
 Findings: A statistically significant positive correlation was found between Anxious Attachment Style and Social Anxiety. Anxious Attachment Style was revealed to positively predict 19% variance in Social Anxiety with p value <.001. A significant gender difference was found among Social Anxiety and Anxious Attachment Style, but none among Avoidant Attachment Style.
 Implications: Practical implications include tailored clinical interventions and support groups for holistic treatment. Recognizing attachment styles can improve intimate relationships. Gender differences in social anxiety suggest women may need gender-sensitive therapy to address social challenges in education and careers.

The smartphone as a “significant other”: interpersonal dependency and attachment in maladaptive smartphone and social networks use

Smartphones are increasingly widespread throughout the world and, although smartphones provide various benefits, excessive and maladaptive use is often reported. Given the penetration of smartphones in the individual’s daily life, it is relevant to identify the mechanisms sustaining their use, including the affective bond that the owner may develop with the device. The aim of the current study is to test a novel model to explain smartphone and Social Network Sites (SNS) use from an interpersonal perspective. We hypothesized that adult attachment style and interpersonal patterns (i.e., features of interpersonal dependency) generalize to the emotional bond with the mobile device, interacting with psychological correlates and background factors to predict smartphone and SNS consumption. 341 nonclinical adults (57.2% females; age M = 35.5, SD = 14.6) completed a battery consisting of the Attachment Style Questionnaire, the Relationship Profile Test, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Young Adult Attachment to Phone Scale, and the Social Network Intensity and Social Network Access via Mobile phone Applications. A multi-mediation model supported the hypothesis regarding the influence of interpersonal style in the relationship of the individual with their smartphone and use of SNS. A parallel between attachment style and the emotional bond with the smartphone emerged, with anxious attachment style and destructive overdependence being potential risk factors for maladaptive smartphone use especially in individuals involved in a romantic relationship. Findings are discussed in terms of theoretical implications and intervention strategies towards smartphone dependency.

Mediating role of splitting in relation to attachment styles and shopping addiction.

Shopping can provide a sense of satisfaction and pleasure; however, if a person's excessive involvement in this behavior starts to negatively impact other aspects of their life, similar to other addictive behaviors like excessive internet use, gaming, and gambling, it may be classified as pathological. Given the lack of agreement regarding the classification of excessive shopping tendencies as a separate mental health condition or addictive behavior, taking a socio-emotional approach to explore the psychological factors that precede this behavior, may offer a better comprehension of it. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between attachment styles and excessive shopping behavior, as well as to investigate the potential mediating effect of defense mechanisms like splitting on this relationship. Using convenience sampling, a group of 457 stock market employees (116 female, 341 male) between the ages of 24 and 60 were recruited. The researchers utilized a set of validated psychological questionnaires to assess the employees attachment styles, shopping addiction, and splitting tendencies. The results obtained from both the mediation model and path analysis suggest that attachment styles do not have a direct relationship with shopping addiction. Nonetheless, the study supports the impact of insecure anxious and avoidan attachment styles on splitting. Furthermore, the findings confirm that splitting has a mediating effect on the relationship between attachment styles and splitting. The present study enhanced our comprehension of the subconscious mechanisms underlying shopping tendencies. Specifically, the findings suggest that excessive tendencies towards shopping can be considered a maladaptive response resulting from insecure attachment styles and the unconscious utilization of the splitting defense mechanism.

Avoidant Attachment Mediates Cultural Differences in Likelihood to Surrender Pets

ABSTRACT Across two studies, pet owners residing in Western and Eastern countries completed surveys documenting their experiences with a particular pet and their likelihood of surrendering that pet in the future. In study 1, we targeted dog owners from the USA, Pakistan, and Hong Kong (n = 266). In study 2, we targeted both dog and cat owners from the same countries, as well as the UK, Canada, and the Netherlands (n = 236). Results were largely replicated across samples. Participants from Eastern countries indicated a greater likelihood to surrender their preferred pet compared with participants from Western countries. The Eastern and Western samples differed on several variables, including number of concerns and problem behaviors reported for their pets, belief in animal mind, and attachment styles. However, a single factor – avoidant attachment style – significantly mediated the greater likelihood to surrender a pet across both studies. Those from Eastern cultures were more likely to have anxious and avoidant attachment styles compared with those from Western cultures, and the avoidant attachment style was associated with a greater likelihood to surrender a pet. Future studies should investigate possible reasons for cultural differences in attachment style to pets.

The Role of Emotion Regulation Difficulties and Intrusive and Deliberate Rumination in the Association Between Insecure Attachment and Prolonged Grief.

This study investigated the role of emotion regulation difficulties and intrusive/deliberate rumination in the relationship between insecure attachment and prolonged grief symptoms. A total sample of 342 bereaved participants was included in the study. Both anxious and avoidant attachment styles were found to be associated with prolonged grief symptoms, with an avoidant attachment showing a stronger effect. Emotion regulation difficulties and rumination mediated the relationships between attachment styles and prolonged grief symptoms, supporting the proposed mediation model. The study identified specific mediating pathways for anxious and avoidant attachment styles. Additionally, female gender, higher age, unexpected death, and closeness of the relationship with the deceased were significant predictors of prolonged grief symptoms.

Becoming Dad: Expectant Fathers' Attachment Style and Prenatal Representations of the Unborn Child.

How expectant fathers think and feel about the unborn child (prenatal representations), has shown associations with fathers' postnatal parenting behaviors, observed father-infant interactional quality and child cognitive development. There is limited knowledge about fathers' prenatal representations. The present study examined if fathers' partner-related attachment styles were related to their prenatal representations of the unborn child. In the "Little in Norway Study", an ongoing prospective, longitudinal population-based study, 396 expectant fathers completed the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale at enrollment (mean gestational week = 23.76, SD = 4.93), and in gestational weeks 27-35 completed three questions assessing prenatal representations. Correlations of attachment style and prenatal representations were reported using logistic regression analyses. We found that an avoidant attachment style by fathers were predicted to have absent or negative representations on all three items (1) "strongest feeling about the unborn child" (Cl = 1.19-2.73), (2) "thoughts about child personality" (Cl = 1.16-1.87), and (3) "experiences of relationship with the child" (Cl = 1.14-1.75). Father anxious attachment style was not significantly associated with absent or negative prenatal representations. Results suggest that expectant fathers with a partner related avoidant attachment style have an increased risk of having absent or negative prenatal representations of the unborn child.

The Relationship Between Attachment Symbols, Attachment Styles and Self-Differentiation with Marital Intimacy

Intimacy is a basic human need and is recognized as an important process in the development of friendly relationships. Given the importance of this structure in marital relations, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of self-differentiation, attachment symbols and attachment styles in the prediction of marital intimacy of marital couples in Zanjan city. The research method was correlation. All married couples living in Zanjan city in 2018 formed the statistical population of this study. The final sample consisted of 278 people selected by stepwise cluster sampling. The instruments of the Bagarozzi intimacy scale (2001), self-differentiated R-DSI revised questionnaire, Hazan and Shaver (1995), attachment style questionnaire and Hazen Attachment Symptom Questionnaire (1987). Non-parametric correlation test showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between emotional intimacy with security and support. There is a positive and significant relationship between rational intimacy with support. There is a positive and significant relationship between sexual intimacy with adjacency and support. There is a positive and significant relationship between spiritual intimacy with security. There is a positive and significant relationship between the aesthetic intimacy with security. There is a positive and significant relationship between social-entertainment intimacy and proximity. There is a positive and significant relationship between the overall score of intimacy with proximity, security, and support. Pearson correlation showed that Pearson correlation indicated that there is a negative and significant relationship between the avoidant attachment style and the total score of intimacy and the components of social recreational intimacy and emotional intimacy. There is a negative and meaningful relationship between the attachment style of social-communicative intimacy. There is a negative and significant relationship between the ambivalent attachment style and the general score of intimacy and the components of social intimacy-emotional and emotional intimacy. The results of regression analysis indicated that only anxiety attachment style could predict marital intimacy among attachment styles and self-differentiation dimensions (R2 = 0.02). The findings of this study can be used to develop and implement educational and therapeutic programs in order to increase marital intimacy of couples. Key words: self-differentiation, attachment styles, marital intimacy, married couples

Kelekatan Anak di Panti Asuhan dan Pondok Pesantren Muhammadiyah Gurah Kabupaten Kediri

The purpose of this study was to find out: 1) Attachment of orphanage children to caregivers at the Muhammadiyah Islamic Bording school and Orohanage; 2) The attachment style of the children at the Muhammadiyah Gurah Islamic Boarding School and Orphanage in, is it secure, avoidant, or anxiety; 3) the factors that influence the attachment style. This research uses a qualitative descriptive research framework with a case study model. Data collection was carried out by observation and interviews with both orphanage children and caregivers, as well as documentation. The research subjects were 5 children living in the Muhammadiyah Gurah Islamic Boarding School and orphanage. Checking the validity of the data was carried out by extending participation and triangulation. The results showed: a) 2 out of 5 subjects had an attachment to their caregivers and the remaining 3 subjects had no attachment to their caregivers; b) three of the study subjects developed a secure attachment style. The remaining 2 subjects developed an insecure (anxious) attachment style; c) Factors that influence the development of attachment style: the role of caregivers, age at the orphanage, parental social support, and self-acceptance.

Emotional Dimensions of Infidelity: An Analysis of Psychological and Emotional Factors Affecting Relationship Infidelity

This study examines the psychological and emotional aspects that influence romantic infidelity. The study uses quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to understand emotional infidelity and its effects on relationships. Emotional intimacy shapes people's reactions to emotional infidelity, according to study. Attachment theory shows how attachment styles affect people's willingness to form emotional bonds outside of committed relationships. Unmet emotional wants and fears prompt anxious attachment styles to seek emotional connections outside their partnerships. The study emphasizes relationship communication patterns. Open discourse, emotional sharing, and mutual understanding can avoid emotional infidelity, which is linked to poor communication. The study examines how internet interactions affect emotional infidelity. The findings highlight how easily emotional ties may grow on digital platforms, raising questions about the limits between online interactions and emotional closeness in committed relationships. This research affects relationship treatment and education. Communication skills, attachment insecurities, and emotional intimacy interventions can avoid emotional infidelity. Couples can create trust and contentment through nurturing emotional connections in the primary relationship. This study illuminates emotional infidelity's psychological and emotional aspects. This study examines attachment styles, communication patterns, and the digital age to inform future research, interventions, and methods for better relationships. In a changing world, emotional infidelity must be addressed to build lasting partnerships.

Deciphering factors that make a narcissistically loved salon brand

PurposeThis research is conducted in the context of beauty salons in India, to investigate how enhanced perceived acceptance in interpersonal relationships through consuming beauty salon services can generate narcissistic brand love among consumers via the mediation of brand happiness. It also investigates the moderating impact of consumer's anxious interpersonal attachment style and cynicism on the relationship between perceived salon brand-interpersonal acceptance goal congruence and salon brand happiness.Design/methodology/approachTo test the hypothesized relationships, a survey was conducted among 225 regular consumers of beauty salon brands. The data were analyzed using Hayes' (2017) process macro in SPSS.FindingsThe results suggest that perceived goal congruence between beauty salon brand-interpersonal acceptance positively influences brand happiness, which in turn predicts consumer's narcissistic brand love. Consumer's anxious interpersonal attachment style positively moderates the effect of brand-interpersonal acceptance goal congruence on brand happiness, while cynicism negatively moderates the path.Originality/valueValue of the study lies in extending interpersonal acceptance and rejection (IPAR) theory to the domain of consumer–salon brand relationship, to posit that if salon brands satisfy consumers' interpersonal acceptance goals, there is a potential for such happy consumers to love the salon brand, albeit narcissistically.