Attachment Dimensions Avoidance Research Articles

Relationship between adult attachment and cognitive emotional regulation style in women and men

Cognitive emotion regulation (CER) strategies are useful in evaluating the risk of developing emotional disorders and that they may define subjects’ styles. This study aims to explore the extent to which specific styles of CER strategies relate to the anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions in adults and whether such relationships operate similarly for women and men. Two hundred and fifteen adults (between 22 and 67 years old) completed the Spanish versions of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Experiences in Close Relationships instrument. Cluster analysis, ANOVA and Student's t-test were used. Our results show that women and men can be successfully classified into two CER clusters (Protective and Vulnerable), distinguished by the higher use in the protective cluster of the CER strategies considered most adaptive and complex (Acceptance, Positive Refocusing, Refocus on Planning, Positive Reappraisal, and Putting into Perspective). However, only in women were the anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions significantly associated with CER style. In conclusion, from a clinical and interpersonal perspective, it is interesting to be able to predict the belonging to a Protective or Vulnerable coping style by analysing the CER strategies and to know their relationship with the adult affective system.

Gender Differences in Insecure Attachment Styles, Egalitarian Gender Roles, and Attitudes Toward Dating Violence Among College Students: A Moderated Mediation Model

ABSTRACT The existing literature on dating violence identifies a number of antecedents to dating violence but few studies situate attitudes toward dating violence within attachment theory and the gender role perspective while also accounting for gender differentiations in attitudes toward dating violence. This is a correlational study examining the relationships between attachment styles, egalitarian gender roles, and attitudes toward dating violence. In a sample of 574 college students, results demonstrated a significant low level correlation between avoidant attachment style, egalitarian gender roles, and attitudes toward dating violence. Mediation analysis results showed that egalitarian gender roles significantly mediate the relationship between avoidant attachment dimension and attitudes toward dating violence, while moderation analysis showed that gender is a significant moderator for avoidantly attached individuals. The conditional indirect effect and index of moderated mediation were also significant for the avoidant attachment dimension. The results are discussed in light of the literature on attachment and gender roles.

Adult Attachment and Personal Recovery in Clients With a Psychotic Disorder

AbstractBackgroundPersonal recovery has become a key objective in the treatment of clients with a psychotic disorder. So far it has been established that the two attachment dimensions, ie, anxious and avoidant, are negatively associated with subjective well-being, self-esteem and hope. This study is the first to explore whether attachment styles are related to personal recovery in this population.AimsTo study the effects of anxious and avoidant attachment on personal recovery in a population with a psychotic disorder.MethodThis cross-sectional study is part of the UP’s multicenter cohort study on recovery from psychotic disorders, in which 265 participants are currently included. Attachment was assessed using the Psychosis Attachment Measure, including the anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions. Personal recovery was measured using the Recovering Quality of Life-10 (ReQOL-10) and the Individual Recovery Outcomes Counter (I.ROC). Regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of attachment on personal recovery.ResultsWe found negative effects of the anxious attachment style on the total scores of the ReQoL-10 (b = −4.54, SE = 0.69, β = β0.37) and the I.ROC (b = −5.21, SE = 0.89, β = −0.32). Although there were also negative effects of the avoidant attachment style on the total scores of the ReQoL-10 (b = −3.08, SE = 0.93, β = −0.18) and the I.ROC (b = −4.24, SE = 1.24, β = −0.19), these were less pronounced.ConclusionResults show that both forms of insecure attachment (anxious and avoidant) are related to poorer personal recovery in clients with a psychotic disorder.

Attachment Security and Attachment Styles in Romantic Relationships

Purpose. The present research aimed at studying the Attachment Security, Attachment Styles in Romantic Relationships. 
 Method. Cross sectional research design was used in this study. The sample (N = 148) was selected via online poll due to COVID regulations. Non probability purposive sampling technique was used to collect sample. The Ainsworth Security Questionnaire Revisited ASQ- R was used to study attachment security in early childhood and Experiences in close relationships Revised ECR-R Scale was used in this study to evaluate attachment styles in romantic relationships. 
 Results. Results showed that attachment security was negatively correlated with insecure attachment styles. It was also proved that those who scored low on attachment security measure scored high on either anxious attachment dimension or avoidant attachment dimension. Novelty/Originality of The Study. The main goals of this study were to develop a warm collaborative therapy connection, identify particular problem sets and associated goals, psycho educate the participants. 
 Implications. The study will help how psychotherapy can help those with unhealthy attachment styles to heal and have relationship satisfaction in romantic relationships by identification of insecure attachment styles.

Insecure Attachment Orientation in Adults and Children and Negative Attribution Bias: A Meta-Analysis.

This is the first meta-analysis to synthesize the literature on insecure attachment and negative attribution bias (NAB) from both developmental and social/personality attachment traditions. This meta-analysis is important because extant studies report inconsistent associations, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the nature of these associations. Based on 41 samples (N = 8,727) from 32 articles, we specify and compare the effect sizes of these associations across studies. Results confirmed positive associations between NAB and anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions and an insecure composite, with a medium effect size. Correlations were moderated by age group, type of attachment measurement, and cultural background. Our findings advance knowledge and build on attachment and attribution theories, reconcile mixed findings, and inform the development of NAB interventions. Important gaps in the literature are revealed that will inspire future research.

Self-reported childhood sexual abuse and attachment in early adulthood among university students

ABSTRACT Worldwide, childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is widespread with severe consequences. We assessed the influence of CSA on insecure attachment in 488 young women in Botswana with no history of CSA, a history of CSA without re-occurrence in adulthood, and a history of CSA with re-occurrence in adulthood. Binary logistic regression analyses were fitted to study differences in anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions. Young women with a history of CSA only and those with a recurrence of sexual abuse in early adulthood had more than three times (OR, 3.34; 95% CI (1.77–6.28) and more than five times (OR, 5.28; 95% CI [1.84–15.12]) the odds of reporting anxious attachment dimension, respectively. Self-reported CSA is common and a risk to attachment.

The associations between insecure attachment, rooming-in, and postpartum depression: A 2 months' longitudinal study.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common complication of childbearing, and recent studies have attempted to examine risk factors associated with it. The main study hypothesis was that a protective situational factor at a sensitive time period (full rooming-in postpartum) would moderate the associations between insecure attachment dimensions and PPD. Three hundred twelve women, in either full or partial rooming-in, participated in a longitudinal study at the maternity ward of a tertiary healthcare center. A Demographic questionnaire and the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale were administered at 1-4 days postpartum, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale at 2 months postpartum. PPD was significantly associated with both anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions, but not with rooming-in conditions. In addition, women in partial rooming-in showed a positive correlation between insecure attachment dimensions and PPD, whereas no such correlation was found for full rooming-in women. A situational factor such as full rooming-in, which occurs at a critical time point for the mother-infant relationship, can moderate the association between maternal avoidant or anxious attachment dimensions and the mother's PPD levels. Postpartum practices, such as rooming-in, can be personalized and thus beneficial in moderating personal risk factors for PPD.

Adolescents and sexual risk-taking: The interplay of constraining relationship beliefs, healthy sex attitudes, and romantic attachment insecurity

IntroductionAlthough sexual exploration during adolescence may be perceived as normative, many adolescents who are sexually active are likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors detrimental to their well-being. The present study examined the influence of insecure attachment (anxious and avoidant dimensions), healthy sex attitudes, and constraining relationship beliefs on the following sexual risk indicators: age at first sex, number of sexual partners, condom use, length of time knowing sexual partners, seriousness of relationship, and frequency of sex. MethodsCross-sectional data from two cohorts recruited one year apart for a five-year project were analyzed. Adolescents were public high school students from a Southern state in the USA (cohort 1: N = 878, 51.1% females, M = 16.50 years old; cohort 2: N = 759, 46.9% females, M = 15.78 years old). ResultsAcross both cohorts, healthy sex attitudes were related to having sex for the first time at an older age, having less sexual partners in a lifetime, and knowing one's sexual partner longer. High scores on the avoidant attachment dimension were related to less commitment to the relationship. This dimension also was related to holding lower scores on healthy sex attitudes, which in turn was related to having more sexual partners and knowing one's sexual partner for a shorter time. Although not replicated, higher endorsement of constraining relationship beliefs was associated with inconsistent condom use and greater sex frequency. ConclusionFindings suggests that attachment insecurity, healthy sex attitudes, and constraining relationship beliefs work together to influence adolescent sexual risks.

Avoidant attachment and own and perceived partner’s conflict resolution in relationship satisfaction

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of conflict resolution strategies in the links between the avoidant attachment dimension and relationship satisfaction. The sample comprised 274 participants (ranging from 18 to 73 years old, 58% women). A predictive model of relationship satisfaction was tested, taking into account avoidant attachment and both own and perceived partner’s conflict resolution strategies. Structural equation modeling was used. Fit indexes indicated that the suggested overall relationship model was confirmed. Own withdrawal conflict resolution was associated positively with individuals’ perception of partner demand. Specifically, there was an indirect effect between own withdrawal and relationship satisfaction mediated by demand strategy perceived in the partner. Own withdrawal was negatively associated with perceived partner’s problem solving, and perceived partner’s positive conflict resolution strategy was positively associated with relationship satisfaction. Practical implications for professionals working with couples are discussed.

Childhood trauma, attachment and psychopathology: A correlation network approach

Consistent evidence supports the view that childhood trauma is linked with insecure attachment styles and psychopathology. However, it is a matter of debate how different forms of child maltreatment may relate with dimensions of anxiety and avoidance in attachment relationships and may foster specific configurations of clinical symptoms. Accordingly, examining the associations between childhood trauma, insecure attachment and psychopathology from a correlation network perspective may serve to fill a relevant gap in the literature. Three-hundred fifty-two adults aged between 18 and 73 years old (M= 32.70; SD = 11.72) completed measures on child maltreatment, attachment styles and psychopathology. A regularized partial correlation network was estimated to examine the relationships between the three constructs. The network showed 101 out of 190 nonzero correlations linking childhood traumatic experiences, anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions, and clinical symptoms. The analysis of the network showed that being exposed to emotional abuse and emotional neglect increased the risk of being exposed to other types of childhood trauma, such as physical abuse. Anxious attachment was more strongly linked to child maltreatment and psychopathology than avoidant attachment. Suicidal ideation and maladaptive personality functioning were the clinical symptoms most strongly connected with the other variables in the network. These findings might be relevant for the assessment and treatment of individuals who display clinical problems related to insecure attachment and early relational trauma.

Adverse childhood experiences and problematic media use: the roles of attachment and impulsivity

ABSTRACT Research has found that childhood adversity is associated with numerous maladaptive outcomes, including insecure attachment, mental health challenges, and problematic media use. As attachment is a primary developmental process that can be affected by childhood adversity, insecure attachment may be one psychological mechanism through which childhood adversity is associated with problematic media use. Further, disturbances in the attachment relationship resulting from childhood adversity may be associated with increased impulsivity, a construct that has been connected with problematic media use. Using a sample of adults (n = 616), this study examined whether the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and problematic media use was mediated through (i) attachment anxiety, (ii) attachment avoidance, or (iii) both attachment dimensions operating in series with impulsivity. Results revealed that a history of adverse childhood experiences was significantly associated with more problematic media use. Both anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions independently mediated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and problematic media use. Specifically, avoidant attachment was associated with less problematic media use, and anxious attachment was associated with more problematic media use. Avoidant attachment and impulsivity in series, as well as anxious attachment and impulsivity in series, both accounted for part of the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and problematic media use. Results suggest that attachment may influence media use both directly and indirectly. Implications are discussed.

Parental Acceptance–Rejection and Adult Separation Anxiety: The Mediation of Adult Attachment Insecurity

Adult separation anxiety disorder (ASAD) is classified under anxiety disorders in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM- 5). However, the reasons for ASAD are uncertain. The relationship between ASAD and childhood experiences is one of the frequently debated issues. The purpose of this study was to develop a model that would examine the mediating roles of insecure attachment dimensions—avoidance and anxiety—in the relationship between adults’ retrospective perceptions of parental acceptance–rejection in childhood and separation anxiety. A total of 1,534 participants completed Parental Acceptance–Rejection Questionnaire, Experiences in Close Relationships–Revised, Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire, and personal information form. The results of the structural equation model indicated that insecure attachment dimensions—avoidance and anxiety variables—fully mediated the relationship between perceived parental acceptance–rejection and separation anxiety. These findings shed new light on the relationship between adults’ retrospective perceptions of childhood experiences and adult separation anxiety.

An Exploratory Study of the Role of Infidelity Typologies in Predicting Attachment Anxiety and Avoidance.

Extradyadic involvement (EDI) is one of the greatest challenges that couples and couples therapists face. Many clinicians and researchers attempt to understand motivations for EDI; however, there is a lack of theory-driven research to support claims of infidelity typologies. The current study explored the relationship between adult attachment dimensions of avoidance and anxiety and the attachment-based typology proposed by Woolley (2010). Results indicate significant differences in attachment anxiety in high anxiety affair types versus low anxiety affair types. Results confirmed significant differences in mean attachment anxiety for participants endorsing multiple affairs.

Childhood maltreatment and problematic social media use: The role of attachment and depression

Childhood maltreatment is associated with many maladaptive outcomes. This study sought to examine the association between childhood maltreatment and problematic social media use using a cross-sectional sample of young adults aged 17–25 years (n = 1029). Specifically, we studied whether the relationship is mediated through (i) attachment anxiety, (ii) attachment avoidance, or (iii) both attachment dimensions operating in series with depressive symptoms. Results revealed that a history of childhood maltreatment was significantly associated with more problematic social media use. Both anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions independently mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and problematic use of social media, but in opposing directions. Avoidant attachment was associated with less problematic social media use, whilst anxious attachment was associated with more problematic social media use. Avoidant attachment and depressive symptoms in series accounted for part of the relationship between childhood maltreatment and problematic social media use. Anxious attachment and depressive symptoms in series fully mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and problematic social media use. The results suggest that childhood maltreatment may influence social media use directly, but also indirectly. People experiencing depressive symptoms may overuse social media in an attempt to alleviate their distress. However, causality cannot be established with the current design.

Attachment styles, grief responses, and the moderating role of coping strategies in parents bereaved by the Sewol ferry accident

ABSTRACTBackground: Previous studies on the influence of different types of attachment on grief responses have yielded contradictory outcomes. Little research has been conducted to identify the psychological processes that moderate the relationship between attachment representations and patterns of grief in disaster-related grief.Objective: The present study examines the effects of different attachment types on the grief responses of parents bereaved by loss of a child in a ferry accident, along with the moderating role of coping strategies.Methods: Bereaved parents (n = 81) completed self-report questionnaires evaluating attachment, coping strategies, complicated grief, and shame/guilt. We performed correlational analyses to examine the associations among variables. We also conducted hierarchical regression analyses and simple slope analyses to examine the moderation effects of coping strategies.Results: Anxious attachment was associated with severe shame/guilt, and avoidant attachment correlated with complicated grief. Anxious attachment was positively associated with all types of coping strategies, and avoidant attachment was negatively related to problem- and emotion-focused coping. The use of problem-focused coping strategies was a significant moderator of the relationship between the avoidant attachment dimension and shame/guilt. Avoidant attachment had a significant effect on shame/guilt in groups with a high level of problem-focused coping. In contrast, none of the coping strategies significantly moderated the relationship between anxious attachment and grief response.Conclusions: The results suggest that people with highly avoidant attachment might be overwhelmed by shame and guilt when they try to use problem-focused coping strategies. This finding suggests that grief interventions should be organized with consideration of individual differences in attachment representations.

Adult attachment predicts the seven-year course of recurrent depression in primary care

BackgroundAttachment theory posits that attachment has a persistent, long-term impact on depression. Empirical data on associations between adult attachment and the long-term course of depression is, however, scarce. The present study addresses this omission. MethodPrimary care patients with a history of depression (n = 103) completed the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire measuring adult attachment dimensions (avoidance and anxiety) and styles (secure, preoccupied, dismissing and fearful). The subsequent seven-year course of depression was assessed with the face-to-face administered Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) and a life-chart interview based on the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation (LIFE). At the end of the seven-year follow-up severity of depression was additionally measured with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). ResultsThe attachment dimensions avoidance and anxiety both showed significant associations during the seven-year course with lower proportions of depressive symptom-free time and higher severity of depression (LIFE and BDI). The secure style predicted compared to preoccupied attachment a significantly higher proportion of symptom-free time (4.97 vs. 1.10 years), compared to dismissing attachment a higher proportion of symptom-free time (4.97 vs. 2.20 years) and lower severity of depression (LIFE: 1.65 vs. 2.14; BDI 6.04 vs. 9.52), and compared to fearful attachment a lower relapse/recurrence rate (45.7% vs. 76.9%), higher proportions of depression diagnosis-free time (7.31 vs. 6.65 years) and symptom-free time (4.97 vs. 0.29 years), and lower severity of depression (LIFE: 1.65 vs. 2.19; BDI 6.04 vs. 15.54). LimitationsSample size was restricted. ConclusionInsecure attachment predicts an unfavorable course of depression over a seven-year period.

Emotional Abuse in Childhood and Attachment Anxiety in Adult Romantic Relationships as Predictors of Personality Disorders

ABSTRACTPersonality disorders are characterized by interpersonal problems. These problems might arise not only in current, but also in past relationships. To test this hypothesis, recollections of abuse and neglect in childhood and representations of adult attachment to the romantic partner were related to dimensional ratings of the 10 DSM-5 personality disorders. Ultimately, 110 patients of a psychosomatic clinic took part in the study. All data were collected with self-report measures. Among the different types of child abuse and neglect, emotional abuse was shown to be most frequently correlated with personality disorders. Attachment dimensions avoidance and anxiety were both associated with personality disorders; anxiety, however, showed stronger correlations. The results reveal that personality disorders come along with enduring adversities in close relationships, mainly experiences of emotional abuse and attachment anxiety, starting in the family of origin and continuing in adult attachment bonds.

“Belonging to my family, but still being myself”: The relationships between dimensions of attachment theory and personal authority in the family system

This study investigated the associations between (a) the adult attachment in close relationships measured by attachment dimensions of avoidance and anxiety (Experiences of Close Relationships Inventory; Brennan, Clark, & Shaver, 1998), and (b) the intergenerational family patterns in terms of personal authority constructs (individuation, triangulation, intimacy, personal authority, and intergenerational intimidation; Personal Authority in the Family System Questionnaire, PAFS-Q; Bray, Williamson, & Malone, 1984a, 1984b). The study also examined gender differences in PAFS-Q dimensions using the data from 160 adult couples (N = 320). Our results showed that higher levels on Spousal Intimacy, Spousal Fusion/Individuation, Intergenerational Fusion/Individuation, and Personal Authority significantly predicted lower anxiety, while higher levels on Spousal Intimacy, and less Triangulation with spouses and children significantly predicted lower avoidance in close relationships. Gender differences were found only on Personal Authority scale, with men reporting greater ability to interact with their parents in an individuated and intimate manner than did females.

Emotional management and quality of life in mother living versus multi-organ donor renal transplant recipients

The aim of this study was to evaluate psychological differences and quality of life between kidney recipients from living (mother) and multi-organ donor. Overall, 40 patients who had undergone both living (mother) and multi-organ kidney transplantation 3-6 months before were asked to complete four self-report instruments: Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Short Form Health Survey, Regulatory Emotional Self-efficacy, and Attachment Style Questionnaire. A greater difficulty in emotional, social, and mental health functioning was found in recipients receiving kidney from mother living donor. Moreover, in these patients, higher levels of avoidant attachment dimensions were associated with a worse quality of life.

Relations between Parenting Stress, Attachment, and Life Satisfaction in Mothers of Adolescent Children

Abstract Causal relations between parenting stress, attachment, and life satisfaction tested in previous studies are multidirectional, even though grounded in respective theories. Additionally, relations between them are dependent on multiple factors viable to act as potential confounders. We set out to analyze the relation between parenting stress of mothers and their life satisfaction as mediated through their general attachment orientations treated as personal resources hypothesized to act as the filter toward their parenting experiences. Three questions were asked: Is the parenting stress-life satisfaction link mediated through attachment? Does the mediation mechanism differ when attachment dimensions of avoidance and anxiety are analyzed? Is the mediation effect sensitive to potential confounding factors? Data from 575 mothers of adolescents were collected using self-reports. Results revealed that parenting stress-life satisfaction relation is partially mediated through attachment, and that the mediation mechanism is different when anxious or avoidant attachment dimensions are analyzed. Sensitivity analysis revealed that mediation models are sensitive to potentially confounding factors. Trying to tackle potential confounders, we tested economic status and the number of children the mother ever had. None of them had enough power to decrease mediation effects. Results are discussed in terms of theoretical and practical implications, causality, and recommendations for further research.