Attachment Dimensions Research Articles

Impacts of residential environment on residents' place attachment, satisfaction, WOM, and pro-environmental behavior: evidence from the Korean housing industry.

This study considers seven residential environment elements and examines their effect on residents' place attachment (place dependence and place identity), satisfaction, word-of-mouth behavior, and pro-environmental behavior. The study also examines whether gender moderates the proposed relationships. The data were collected from 603 respondents who owned a condominium in Seoul, South Korea. We analyzed the data using structural equation modeling with SmartPLS 4. The finding shows that all seven elements of the residential environment have a significant impact on either dimension of place attachment, except for the insignificant effect of social environment on place dependence. Both dimensions of place attachment have a significant effect on satisfaction, WOM, and pro-environmental behavior except for the insignificant effect of place dependence on pro-environmental behavior. The interaction effect test of gender shows that males consider eco-friendly materials and green/recreational areas more than females. On the other hand, females are found to weigh and social environments more heavily than males. The finding shows that pro-environmental behavior is influenced by place identity (not by place dependence) and satisfaction, indicating a key role of affective response.

Investigating the link between place attachment, civic engagement, and pro-environmental behaviors

This study aimed to investigate the impact of place attachment and civic engagement on pro-environmental behavior, with place attachment being examined from an individual perspective, and civic engagement being examined from a social perspective. Therefore, in addition to assessing the degree of place attachment, we also examined its effect on residents’ civic engagement and pro-environmental behavior the study was conducted using a questionnaire to collect data from people over 18 years of age living in the Eram neighborhood, with 240 responses being used for analysis after removing 25 incomplete or biased answers. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis revealed that place attachment is a second-order construct composed of place dependence, place identity, emotional attachment, and social attachment, and that pro-environmental behavior is a second-order factor composed of household behavior, information seeking, and transportation. The results showed that all four dimensions of place attachment have good means and that place attachment and civic engagement positively affect pro-environmental behavior. The Sobel test confirms that the effect of place attachment on pro-environmental behavior is significant through the mediation of civic engagement. This study confirms that feeling attached to the local area encourages participating in voluntary social activities in line with pro-environmental behaviors.

Attachment as a predictor of dropout in mentalization-based treatment.

Although treatments of patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) were historically associated with relatively high dropout rates, dropout rates in contemporary evidence-based treatments for BPD are typically substantially lower. However, only a few studies have investigated dropout rates in mentalization-based treatment (MBT), and even fewer have investigated predictors of dropout in this type of treatment. In this study, we investigated dropout rates in two types of MBT (day hospital MBT [MBT-DH] and intensive outpatient MBT [MBT-IOP]) using data from a recent multicenter randomized clinical trial. Given the central importance of attachment considerations in MBT, we also investigated the relationship between dropout in these two treatments and attachment dimensions. Within a multicenter randomized clinical trial, 114 BPD patients were randomized to MBT-DH (n = 70) or MBT-IOP (n = 44). Dropout in both types of MBT was investigated using descriptive analyses, and its association with attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance, as measured by the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire at baseline, was investigated using regression analyses. Dropout rates were relatively low (10.5% across both types of MBT) and did not significantly differ between groups (11.4% in MBT-DH, 9.1% in MBT-IOP). Attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety did not impact dropout, nor did their interaction or the interaction with the type of MBT. Low dropout rates in both types of MBT indicate a high level of engagement of patients in both programmes. Attachment dimensions were not associated with dropout, consistent with the principle that MBT is tailored to each individual's needs. More research is needed, however, to investigate to what extent attachment is a dynamic context-bound adaptive process rather than a static personality feature.

Pathological personality traits from ICD-11 and attachment - Comparison of 10 models of attachment dimensions.

The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between personality disorders according to the new ICD-11 dimensional approach and attachment. To do so, we examined ten models of attachment and employed seven questionnaires. The study was conducted online and involved a non-clinical group of N = 391 (68% women, 30% men, and 2% - people who marked the "gender - other" category, aged 16-65 yeas; M = 24.91; SD = 7.8). Attachment was measured using seven questionnaires, and the Polish adaptation of the PiCD Questionnaire was used to measure personality disorders according to ICD-11. The regression analysis revealed a consistent picture of the relationship between insecure attachment (regardless of model) and personality disorders. "Negative Affectivity" and "Disinhibition" are associated with Anxious attachment, while "Detachment" and "Dissociality" with Avoidant attachment. "Anankastia" showed only a sporadic association with attachment. Attachment (according to theoretical models formed in childhood) is significantly related to personality disorders in adults. In the conducted study, a coherent picture of this relationship was obtained thanks to the use of many conceptualizations and operationalizations of attachment.

The Role of Narcissism and Attachment in Adult Romantic Relationships: A Study of Greek-speaking Adult Participants

The present study examined the relationship between narcissism and attachment dimensions in adult romantic relationships. One hundred and fifty one adults from the general population completed self-report measures of attachment dimensions, grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. The results indicated that both types of narcissism were significantly correlated to insecure attachment dimensions (anxiety and avoidance). Additionally, the results of the hierarchical multiple regression initially showed a significant prediction of grandiose narcissism in the insecure attachment dimensions, which was then counterweighted by the stronger contribution of vulnerable narcissism. The most significant variable in the overall examination of narcissism was vulnerable narcissism, significantly predicting both insecure attachment dimensions. Results are discussed in light of attachment theory and implications for clinical practice and future research are also considered.

Antecedents and consequences of interpersonal electronic surveillance in romantic relationships

ABSTRACT The proliferation of communication technologies and the growth of social networking sites provide new avenues for electronic surveillance of romantic relationship partners. This study evaluated attachment dimensions and romantic jealousy as complementary explanations for interpersonal electronic surveillance in romantic relationships. In addition, this study investigated the moderating effect of dyadic trust on the link between interpersonal electronic surveillance and relationship satisfaction. Three hundred and twenty-one individuals currently involved in romantic relationships with active social media accounts completed measures assessing attachment anxiety and avoidance; cognitive and emotional jealousy; interpersonal electronic surveillance; dyadic trust; and relationship satisfaction. Results indicated partial support for a statistical model in which jealousy mediated the associations between attachment and interpersonal electronic surveillance. In addition, findings supported the moderating role of dyadic trust on the association between interpersonal electronic surveillance and relationship satisfaction.

Da li je povezanost između crta mračne tetrade ličnosti i ljubomore posredovana stilovima afektivne vezanosti?

Traits such as psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism are commonly used to describe the dark side of human personality. These traits, collectively known as the dark personality triad (Paulhus, 2014), have been the focus of research by psychologists seeking a more nuanced understanding of negative personality traits. To further explore this subject, researchers have included subclinical sadism, also known as everyday sadism (Buckels et al., 2013), and developed a new classification called the dark tetrad (Međedović & Petrović, 2015). The dark tetrad encompasses various negative traits and characteristics that are associated with personal and social problems, and are considered undesirable (Jonason et al., 2010). The pervasiveness of these personality traits in popular culture and their impact on interpersonal relationships and the workplace (Sedikides et al., 2004) make deeper research into the dark tetrad potentially beneficial for individuals, especially from the perspective of romantic relationships. Previous studies have shown a correlation between dark traits and affective attachment dimensions (Nickisch et al., 2020), as well as between jealousy and affective attachment (Knobloch et al., 2001; Marshall et al., 2013; Karakurt, 2001), supporting the expectation of affective attachment playing a mediating role in this research.

Sensitivity and Attachment in an Italian Sample of Hikikomori Adolescents and Young Adults.

Hikikomori is a severe form of social withdrawal increasing among the young Italian population. Hikikomori has been connected to psychological problems and high environmental sensitivity. Nevertheless, only a few studies have been carried out in the Italian context, and they did not analyze several aspects strictly related to the hikikomori phenomenon, such as the role of attachment and sensitivity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between attachment, sensitivity, and psychological problems in a sample of Italian hikikomori. Our sample comprised 72 Italian adolescents and young adults (49 males and 23 females), meanly aged 22.5 years, recruited through online forums and clinical centers for the hikikomori phenomenon. Our participants fulfilled the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R). The results showed high psychological issues (i.e., depression and anxiety), environmental sensitivity, and insecure attachment orientations. Moreover, we discovered a significant relationship between attachment dimensions, environmental sensitivity, and psychopathology. Our study sheds light on a novel research path and could help both the researchers and the clinicians who work with people suffering from social withdrawal.

A Systematic Literature Review of Applied Methods for Assessing the Effects of Public Open Spaces on Immigrants’ Place Attachment

Moving to a new country is often combined with issues such as stress and a sense of loss that affect the overall well-being of immigrants. Furthermore, immigrants have not yet developed strong attachments to the country and, more specifically, to the places in which they will settle. Researchers have already discussed the role of the built environment for well-being and the sense of belonging and attachment it can provide, specifically through public open spaces, such as parks, squares, etc. These problems are worldwide, and the World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends creating public places that improve human health, well-being, and social inclusion. Moreover, at local levels, designers and urbanists must understand how to evaluate the relationship between immigrants’ place attachment and public places in order to improve the design of these places. Consequently, this study reviewed methods used to understand the effects of public open spaces on immigrants’ attachment. A systematic quantitative literature review was conducted, and a total of 26 articles were extracted relating to immigrants’ place attachment and public open spaces. Research locations, participants’ nationalities, the types of public open spaces, the methods applied, and place attachment evaluations were retrieved from the articles and analysed. The results show that evaluating immigrants’ place attachment presents many challenges, and there is no consensus on what approaches are best practices. However, qualitative methods were most applied in human–environment interactions, and immigrants’ place attachments were primarily assessed based on their social bonds in public open spaces. To conclude, a framework was designed to understand how immigrants’ place attachment was evaluated in the reviewed literature, and the dimensions of place attachment were defined.

Facets of Care in Youth: Attachment, Relationships with Care Workers and the Residential Care Environment

ABSTRACT According to the attachment theory, early experiences with primary caregivers are the foundation of the expectations and beliefs about the self, others, and the world. It becomes particularly relevant in youth living in Residential Care (RC) settings, due to their past adversities. In this context, care workers can provide emotional healing experiences by acting as secure base figures and fostering conditions for youth’s revision of their internal working models. The main aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between youth attachment dimensions and satisfaction with the residential caregiving environment, as well as, to analyze the potential mediator effect of the relationship quality with care workers in RC settings in the prior association. The sample was composed of youth, aged 12 to 18 (M = 15.54; SD = 1.66) living in RC settings in Porto district, Portugal (N = 248), that responded to three self-report measures. Results showed that attachment dimensions were associated with youth satisfaction with their caregiving environment, being this association mediated by the relationship quality with care workers. This study highlights the importance of investing in good relational experiences for youth satisfaction with the RC caregiving environment.

Four attachment-based categories of emotion regulation in adolescent psychic troubles.

Emotion regulation is altered in many psychiatric disorders in adolescence, but the understanding of mechanisms that underlie this alteration is still poor. The PERCEPT study explores alexithymia, empathy, facial emotion recognition (FER) and defence mechanisms in a sample of adolescents in psychiatric care (n = 61, 74% of girls, mean age = 15.03 y.o.), in relation with participants' attachment styles. Results revealed correlations between attachment dimensions and all of the emotion regulation variables, suggesting that attachment modalities have functional links with emotional regulation at its different levels: FER accuracy was inversely correlated with avoidant attachment, while affective empathy, difficulty in identifying feelings (alexithymia) and immature as well as neurotic defence mechanisms were positively correlated with anxious attachment. Moreover, attachment categories delineated distinct emotional perception profiles. In particular, preoccupied attachment included adolescents with the highest levels of facial emotion perception (sensitivity and accuracy) and of affective empathy, whereas detached attachment included adolescents with the lowest levels of these variables. Neurotic defence mechanisms and difficulty to identify feelings were correlated with preoccupied attachment; immature defence mechanisms and difficulty to describe feelings to others characterized fearful attachment. These results suggest that attachment categories underlie emotion regulation processes in psychiatric disorders in adolescence. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

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.

The Interplay Between Anxiety and Avoidance Dimensions of Attachment to Chinese Fathers in Internalizing Problem Behavior among Early Adolescents: An Intercultural Investigation

Guided by the attachment theory, this study investigated the interplay between anxiety and avoidance dimensions of attachment to Chinese fathers in early adolescents’ internalizing problem behavior. This study further examined whether this association might exhibit an intercultural difference between the Han and Dong-Xiang ethnic groups. A total of 1019 adolescents between 10 and 15 years old (Mage = 12.66, SD = 1.51; 52.8% girls) participated in this study. Participants were uniformly instructed to complete a packet of well-established questionnaires written in simplified Chinese. Based on a hierarchical linear regression, interactive patterns of anxiety and avoidance exhibited an intercultural difference: adolescents with a fearful attachment style reported the highest levels of internalizing problem behavior among the Han, whereas adolescents with a preoccupied attachment style did so among the Dong-Xiang. Through these results, the current study highlights the vital role of attachment to fathers in early adolescents’ internalizing problem behavior and emphasizes the interactive patterns between anxiety and avoidance in interpreting the variance of internalizing problem behavior. Further, the results not only have important theoretical implications for the discussion of attachment as a universal or cultural phenomenon, but also highlight practical ways to mitigate early adolescents’ internalizing problem behavior.

Emotional non-acceptance mediates the relationship between insecure attachment and specific psychopathology in women with eating disorders.

Insecure attachment is considered a general risk factor for eating disorders (ED). Emotion dysregulation has been proposed as one of the possible mechanisms by which attachment insecurity may affect ED psychopathology. Aim of the present study was to investigate whether difficulties in acceptance of emotions or emotional clarity may mediate the connection between insecure attachment and ED psychopathology. One hundred and twenty patients participated and completed the Italian version of Eating Disorder Inventory-2, Experience in Close Relationship questionnaire and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. A mediator path model was performed, in which insecure attachment dimensions were set as independent variables, ED specific psychopathology measures as dependent variables, and non-acceptance of emotion and lack of emotional clarity as mediators. The association between both attachment avoidance and anxiety and ED specific symptoms was mediated by emotional non-acceptance, but not by emotional clarity. This study showed the importance to address emotion regulation in individuals with ED, focussing on improving emotional acceptance. Exploring early developmental processes which lead to non-acceptance of emotions could improve this psychological trait in people with ED.

Attachment dimensions and problem behaviors in middle-childhood children: a comparative study in terms of maternal mental health

This study aimed to examine the differences between middle-childhood children of mothers receiving and not receiving mental health services in terms of attachment dimensions and problem behaviors, and the relationship of problem behaviors in middle-childhood children with some socio-demographic variables.
 Using quantitative research method, this study had two sample groups: the study and comparison groups. Additionally, it involved a total of 127 mothers and 127 children in the 9-14 age group, including 62 mothers and their children in the study group (receiving mental health services) and 65 mothers and their children in the comparison group (not receiving mental health services). For data collection, the following scales were applied to both groups. The data collecting process consisted of the Personal Information Form, the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale II – Middle-Childhood, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (AB 4-16).
 The results showed that the study group children tended to have insecure attachment and problematic behaviors more than the comparison group children. In addition to mother’s need for mental health services, mother’s educational level, child’s birth after an unplanned pregnancy, and separation from one or both parents for a period were also considered as important factors affecting problem behaviors in children.
 This study revealed the preventable factors in the development of problem behaviors in children. These results contribute to the practices of mental health professionals and the role of child welfare systems in developing protective-preventive services.

Psychological Characteristics of Women with Perinatal Depression Who Require Psychiatric Support during Pregnancy or Postpartum: A Cross-Sectional Study

Antenatal depression may be distinct from postpartum depression in terms of prevalence, severity of symptoms, comorbidities, prognosis, and risk factors. Although risk factors for perinatal depression have been identified, it is unclear whether there are differences in the onset of perinatal depression (PND). This study explored the characteristics of women requiring mental health support during pregnancy or postpartum. A sample of 170 women (58% in pregnancy; 42% postpartum) who contacted the SOS-MAMMA outpatient clinic was recruited. Clinical data sheets and self-report questionnaires (EPDS, LTE-Q, BIG FIVE; ECR; BSQ; STICSA) were administered, hypothesizing possible risk factors, such as personality traits, stressful life events, body dissatisfaction, attachment style, and anxiety. Hierarchical regression models were carried out in the pregnancy (F10;36 = 8.075, p < 0.001, adjR2 = 0.877) and postpartum groups (F10;38 = 3.082, p < 0.05, adjR2 = 0.809). Recent stressful life events and conscientiousness were associated with depression in both the pregnant (29.3%, 25.5% of variance) and postpartum groups (23.8%, 20.7% of variance). In pregnant women, "openness" (11.6%), body dissatisfaction (10.2%), and anxiety (7.1%) symptoms were predictive of depression. In the postpartum group, "neuroticism" (13.8%) and insecure romantic attachment dimensions (13.4%; 9.2%) were the strongest predictors. Perinatal psychological interventions should consider the differences between mothers with depression during pregnancy and postpartum.

The Effect of Cultural Attachment on Perceived Image of Sojourn Destination: an Evidence From Chinese Descent Students of Asean Coming to Guangxi, China

Purpose: The main purpose of this paper is to investigate how international students as experienced visitors constitute perceived images of their sojourns destination under the influence of cultural attachment. Theoretical framework: The framework extends the three-dimensional structure of perceived image consisting of the cognitive image, affective image, and conative image dimensions supported by previous literature (Agapito, Valle &amp; Mendes, 2013), adding the relevant influence of the cultural attachment dimension (Hong, Fang, Yang &amp; Phua, 2013). Design/methodology/approach: The research methodology used quantitative analysis. The deductive approach was used as a guide to build hypotheses based on the logical inter-dimensional relationships described previously in the literature. 525 ASEAN Chinese with study abroad experience in Guangxi participated in the questionnaire investigation as respondents, and related data were tested for the stated hypotheses using SPSS 26.0. Findings: The main findings further support previous similar studies that there are important interrelationships in the internal composition of perceived images, and innovatively confirm the important role of cultural attachment on perceived images. Research, Practical &amp; Social implications: The research makes distinctive use of the cultural experiences of overseas students, offering possibilities for tourism image communication and destination marketing. Originality/value: The results uncover the academic value of cultural attachment to destination image marketing, which enriches the theoretical system of tourism destination marketing to some extent.

Place attachment and walking behaviour: Mediation by perceived neighbourhood walkability

The urban design features of a location are important for facilitating people’s attachment to places. Attachment to particular places, such as residential neighbourhoods, may encourage people to adopt and maintain physical activity routines. Moreover, the ways in which people perceive the built features in their neighbourhood (e.g., neighbourhood walkability) may mediate the relations between place attachment and physical activity behaviour. Therefore, this exploratory study examined the associations between place attachment and neighbourhood-specific physical activity and explored the extent to which perceived neighbourhood walkability mediates these associations. The study included data from 1,800 adults living in Calgary, Canada. Place attachment (including identity and dependence), physical activity, and neighbourhood walkability were self-reported using validated tools. Linear and logistic regression models were applied to estimate the associations between variables. Mediation was assessed using structural equation modelling. Place attachment dimensions were significantly positively associated (p < 0.05) with weekly participation (odds) and time spent walking for transport and recreation. The associations between place attachment and walking for transport were also mediated by perceived neighbourhood walkability. Together, these findings emphasise the crucial role of place attachment, particularly human bonding and relationships with the neighbourhood environment , in supporting physically active lifestyles and promoting public health.

Marital Communication during Conflict: A Study on Attachment Dimensions and Interaction Patterns

Conflict is increasingly present and could be severe in many adult romantic relationships including marriage, yet understudied in the context of adult attachment style. This study set out to investigate the underlying relationship between adult attachment styles and patterns of interaction in a Malaysian setting. By means of survey method, data was collected using self-reporting questionnaire involving 400 married individuals in the state of Penang, Malaysia for the duration of six months, with Partial Least Squares (PLS) employed for data analysis. The application of Attachment Theory in this study was established via two dimensions of anxiety and avoidance. Result from the analysis yielded all the constructs have composite reliability value of more than 0.6 and convergent and discriminant validity with an average variance extracted (AVE) value greater than 0.50. The findings indicated that, married individuals who are high in anxiety will exhibit destructive and avoidance patterns during conflict. Similarly, married individuals who are high in avoidance will exhibit destructive, avoidance and low level of constructive pattern during conflict. The study concludes that conflict pattern of interaction among married individuals is a function of adult romantic attachment styles. This study also addressed the gap in research literature by providing a non-western context by basing research within a Malaysian setting. Keywords: Anxiety, avoidance, conflict, marital communication, married individuals.

Where do young villagers work?

&#x0D; One of the defining elements of local identity is the opportunity to work and the chance ofear- ning money. These factors are especially important in small villages within low-populated rural areas, where due to changes in the production structure and land ownership job opportunities become less and less. In the absence of livelihood opportunities and adequate income for young people living in the countryside, the migration process is intensifying, the villages are aging and become more and more depopulated. A smaller part of young villagers however remain in the settlement, with new marginalized settlers from urban areas, who appear alongside them. &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Our case study, based on 104 interviews in 12 settlements, seeks to find whether young peop- le – aged 19–25 – look at village life as a constraint or an opportunity. The central question is whether they think that this marginal status, with an assumingly cheap village life, is the only choice for them, or they are convinced that they are staying in small villages due to their cons- cious choice in favour of a rural lifestyle. &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Focusing on employment strategies, the aim of this paper is to look at the dimensions of local attachment of the target group, and to show the various labour market characteristics of the target groupthat develops within the given framework. &#x0D;