Insecure Attachment Research Articles

Childhood attachment security mediates the effect of childhood maltreatment chronicity on emotion regulation patterns in emerging adulthood

ABSTRACT This study uses a 2-wave, longitudinal design to evaluate mother-child attachment security (child-reported) and emotion regulation capacities (wave 1, age 10-12) as mediators linking childhood maltreatment chronicity and emotion regulation (ER) patterns in emerging adulthood (wave 2; N = 399; 48.1% male; 77.2% Black/African-American, 11.3% White, 7.8% Hispanic, 3.8% other race). Children from families eligible for public assistance with and without maltreatment exposure participated in a summer research camp (wave 1) and were recontacted in emerging adulthood (wave 2). SEM results showed that greater maltreatment chronicity predicted lower childhood attachment security, which in turn predicted membership in ER profiles marked by emotion dysregulation and limited access to ER strategies. Greater attachment security predicted membership in adaptive ER profiles in emerging adulthood. Results suggest that insecure attachment is one process by which childhood maltreatment disrupts adaptive ER across development, whereas greater attachment security in childhood can promote multiple forms of adaptive emotion regulation.

The Mediating Role of Precepts and Meditation on Attachment and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents

Research shows that Buddhist precept adherence (i.e., abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicant use) and meditation practice influence mental health outcomes. This study investigated how Buddhist precept adherence and meditation practice influenced the relationship between insecure attachment and depressive symptoms among Thai adolescents. A total of 453 Thai boarding-school students from 10th–12th grade were recruited from five boarding schools (two purposively selected Buddhist schools and three conveniently selected secular schools). They completed these tools: Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire—revised-18, Outcome-Inventory-21: Depression Subscale, Precept Practice Questionnaire, and Inner-Strength-Based Inventory: Meditation. A parallel mediation model analyzed the indirect effects of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance on depression through precept adherence and meditation practice. The participants’ demographics were 16.35 ± 0.96 years, 88% female, and 89.4% Buddhist. The mean scores for attachment anxiety were 2.7 ± 1.1; attachment avoidance, 2.78 ± 1.2; overall regular precept adherence, 20.1 ± 4.4; regular but not daily meditation, 2.94 ± 1.3; and low depressive symptoms, 3.75 ± 3.4. The standardized indirect effects for attachment anxiety (β = 0.042, 95% CI = 0.022, 0.070) and avoidance (β = 0.024, 95% CI = 0.009, 0.046) on depressive symptoms through meditation and precept adherence were significant. Meditation practice had a significantly higher indirect effect size than precept adherence.

Improving Intervention Strategies for Autism Spectrum Disorders by Altering the Design of the Diagnostic Procedure

Since the identification of the childhood disorder Autism by Dr Leo Kanner in 1943 and Dr Hans Asperger in 1944, our understanding of this condition has evolved. At first it was described as an attachment disorder, then it was described as a psycho-social-educational disorder, which is largely where our thinking on the topic has remained. This thinking determines the interventions applied. There is little expectation by physicians, parents or educators of significant emergence from ASD. It is common for parents to report that they receive no real advice as to what to do after the diagnosis other than placement of the child in a special school and to start Speech Therapy. The increasing incidence of ASD (1 in 44 births: CDC) means the mounting pressure on service providers is unmanageable. However there have been changes in thinking that brought some promise of brighter outcomes. For example since the 1990’s there has been increasing appreciation of the role of the biome, with reports of positive outcomes following metabolic interventions. Approaches have arisen that offer positive outcomes and have brought a greater understanding of the nature of ASD. This presentation proposes a change to the way the diagnostic protocol is executed in keeping with a more pervasive view of ASD. A new approach is needed in line with research and new developments, so that at the time of diagnosis parents get pointers for actions to follow that can greatly benefit the child, since all agree that early intervention brings better outcomes.

Adult attachment in couples facing stage IV lung cancer: associations with patient quality-of-life outcomes and sense of life completion

Abstract Background: Adult attachment insecurity is associated with poor psychosocial and cancer-related symptom outcomes in patients with cancer; however, there is a paucity of research around the role of the spousal caregivers' attachment in patient quality of life (QOL) at the end of life (EOL). Attachment styles may be particularly relevant for couples coping with prolonged metastatic disease, where the threat of death or disease progression is highly salient. Methods: We conducted secondary analyses on a sample of patients with stage IV non–small cell lung cancer and their spouses. Participants separately completed questionnaires of attachment style (ECR-S), relationship closeness (PAIR), illness-related communication (holding back one's fear of death or disease progression), and cancer-related distress (IES). Patients additionally completed questionnaires on sense of life completion and QOL at EOL (QUAL-E Completion Subscale and Overall QOL Item) and symptom burden (MDASI-LC). Results: For patients, greater attachment avoidance was associated with lower sense of life completion (r = −0.31, P = .009) and lower overall QOL (r = −0.35, P = .003). Greater patient attachment anxiety was also associated with a lower sense of life completion (r = −0.26, P = .034). Greater caregiver attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety were associated with patient reports of lower overall QOL (r = −0.38, P = .001, r = −0.36, P = .002, respectively). In addition, greater caregiver attachment anxiety was associated with greater patient symptom burden (r = 0.24, P = .048) controlling for patient's own attachment anxiety. For both patients and caregivers, greater attachment anxiety was associated with more “holding back” from communicating their fear of death or disease progression with their spouse (r = 0.25, P = .036; r = 0.31, P = .011, respectively). Dyadic analyses revealed a positive association within the couple for attachment avoidance (r = 0.41, P < .01) and anxiety (r = 0.31, P < .01). Conclusion: Both spousal caregiver and patient attachment styles are highly relevant to illness communication patterns and patient QOL outcomes.

Child neurodevelopmental disorders in armed conflict country, case of DR Congo: long-term trauma impact on brain development in childhood: review

Child neurodevelopmental disorders in armed conflict country, case of DR Congo: long-term trauma impact on brain development in childhood: review

상담자 불안정 성인애착과 작업 동맹의 관계에서 발달수준에 의해 조절된 심리적 소진의 매개효과

This study examined the moderated mediating effect of development level throughpsychological burnout in the effect of insecure adult attachment on working alliance. To thisend, a survey was conducted on 291 counselors, and the results are as follows. First,psychological burnout had a partial mediating effect in the relationship between attachmentanxiety and working alliance and a full mediating effect in the relationship between attachmentavoidance and working alliance. Second, development level had a moderating effect in therelationship between psychological burnout and working alliance. Third, when developmentlevel is low or average, the mediating effect of psychological burn-out controlled bydevelopment level was shown to be significant in the relationship between attachment anxiety,attachment avoidance and working alliance. This study tried to find counselor factorsinfluencing the working alliance by revealing the role of psychological burnout anddevelopment level in the relationship between Insecure adult attachment and Working alliance. Finally, the limitations and suggestions for future study were discussed.

Relationship Between Insecure Attachment and Burnout Among Novice Counselors: The Sequential Mediation of Mentalization and Emotion Dysregulation

Relationship Between Insecure Attachment and Burnout Among Novice Counselors: The Sequential Mediation of Mentalization and Emotion Dysregulation

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.

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.

Through Bowlby and Mahler towards Masterson: from child study to adult healing

The focus on human personality and its disorders—extending beyond symptom-atology and inner fantasy to concern with the whole self and relationship—has created a paradigm shift in psychoanalysis. Detailed observation and study of growing children and their mothers lent impetus to this change, and gave increased relevance to the object relational concept of the infant’s psychic internalisation of external perception. A leading figure in the treatment of personality disorder, James F. Masterson drew much from Margaret Mahler’s developmental constructs and John Bowlby’s conceptualisations of attachment. In particular, Masterson’s work built upon Mahler’s subphases of separation–individuation in order to define the progression of unmet psychic needs underlying the schizoid, narcissistic, and borderline personality disorders. Relatedly, Masterson’s approach implemented Bowlby’s formulations of secure mother–child attachment in shaping an effective therapeutic alliance. Following Bowlby, Masterson emphasised the patient’s developmental need for a steadfast therapeutic frame and therapeutic respect for the despair suffered by patients coming to grips with the early trauma of insecure attachment. Extensive illustrations of Masterson’s specific interventions with the different personality disorder types are included.

Responding to threatening online alternatives: Perceiving the partner’s commitment through their social media behaviors

Two studies examined how committed people perceived their partners’ social media behaviors and how the presence of these behaviors impacted feelings of relationship security and satisfaction. Study 1 identified the specific social media behaviors that signal commitment by a romantic partner. Study 2 then manipulated the identified partner social media behaviors to examine if buffering occurred for people with high levels of attachment insecurity. Study 2 found that when a person was led to believe their partner engaged in high commitment online behaviors, they reported greater felt relationship security and relationship satisfaction. Attachment avoidance, but not attachment anxiety, moderated the manipulation’s effect on relationship satisfaction. Perceiving that a partner signals high commitment when the threat of online alternatives is salient may be one specific route to mitigate attachment avoidance’s impact on relationship satisfaction.

Coping as a Mediator between Attachment and Depressive Symptomatology Either in Pregnancy or in the Early Postpartum Period: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach.

Peripartum depression (PPD) is a major complication of pregnancy, and numerous risk factors have been associated with its onset, including dysfunctional coping strategies and insecure attachment styles, both during pregnancy and postpartum. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of coping strategies in mediating the relationship between women's attachment style and depressive symptomatology in pregnancy and one week after giving birth in a large sample of women (N = 1664). Our hypothesis was that the relationship between anxious and avoidant attachment and depressive symptomatology would be mediated by use of maladaptive coping strategies. The assessment instruments were Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Brief Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences (COPE), and Experiences in Close Relationship Scale (ECR). The results indicated that the effect of insecure attachment styles (anxious and avoidant attachment) on antepartum depressive symptomatology was partially mediated by dysfunctional coping styles. Anxious attachment also has an indirect significant effect on postpartum depressive symptomatology through emotional coping; however, avoidant attachment does not seem to be significantly related to postpartum depressive symptoms. Our findings revealed that not only is it important to consider attachment in understanding peripartum depressive symptomatology, but also that coping plays an important role in these relationships. These findings would help a preventive coping-based intervention strategy to enhance the capacity of women with insecure attachment styles to use more adaptive coping during and after pregnancy.

The attachment adaptation process model: Developing attachment security after experiencing addiction in the family

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to explore the adaptation processes of building attachment security later in life when one's attachment style has been affected by growing up in a household with a parent who uses substances.BackgroundParental substance use may have negative effects on children who grow up in those homes, including developing an insecure attachment style. Limited studies have focused on adult children of alcoholics/addicts' (ACOAs) attachment adaptation processes into adulthood.MethodUsing a constructivist grounded theory approach, we explored the process ACOA's use to build attachment security. The first author interviewed 14 participants using a semistructured interview format through the video conferencing platform Zoom.ResultsThrough analysis of the data, we identified a four‐phase process: (a) confusion, (b) transition, (c) restoration, and (d) dedication. This information provides a framework to show clients the attachment adaptation process model (AAPM), developed in this study, and helps them to visualize the process by which they may learn to develop more attachment security.ConclusionACOAs may incur adverse experiences in childhood that influence their attachment development later in life. The researchers in this study built a model of how ACOAs build attachment security later in life.ImplicationsPractitioners can help clients connect with community support groups, places of worship, and other small groups that the participants identified as instrumental in the healing process. Overall, helping clients find a place for safe and healthy connections is crucial during their journey to attachment security.

Attachment and emotional regulation: examining the role of prefrontal cortex functions, executive functions, and mindfulness in their relationship.

Attachment is a prominent area of psychological research, with its relevance linked to executive functions, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. The purpose of this study is to examine this relationship among these aforementioned four constructs and propose a model to be tested in the future. Based on the current trends using the Interpersonal Neurobiology approach, which assumes prefrontal cortex functions to include other socioemotional resources such as empathy, morality, insight, behavior, and body regulation. Our study included prefrontal cortical functions alongside executive functions. The assessment instruments used were Attachment-Based Cognitive Representations Scale, Prefrontal Cortex Functions Scale, Webexec, Five Facet Mindfulness Scale, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. We hypothesized that attachment would be the strongest predictor of emotional regulation. The participants in the study were 539 college students (mean = 20.21; sd = 1.57); (68% female and 32%, male). Our a priori research hypothesis was supported, with an additional finding that trait mindfulness was also a significant predictor. The strongest correlations with attachment styles were with trait mindfulness and emotional regulation. We conducted path analyses of two different models for secure and insecure attachment. The path analyses showed that secure attachment scores were negatively related, and insecure attachment scores were positively related to difficulties in emotional regulation scores. Furthermore, trait mindfulness and prefrontal cortex functions also mediated this relationship. However, there was no significant relationship between executive functions and difficulties in emotional regulation scores, even though it was significantly related to attachment. Results and implications are discussed.

Too healthy for their own good: orthorexia nervosa and compulsive exercise in the community

BackgroundThe similarities and differences between orthorexia nervosa symptoms (ONs) and the symptoms and correlates of eating disorders listed in the DSM-5 need to be elucidated. ONs were examined in a volunteer community sample in conjunction with compulsive exercise, disordered eating, as well as emotional and behavioral correlates of eating disorders.MethodsParticipants were 561 adult volunteers (93 men, 17.09%) aged 19–72 (M = 32.7 ± 11), recruited via social media networks. Participants self-reported on the following measures online: Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale, Compulsive Exercise Test, Retrospective Child Feeding Questionnaire, Experiences in Close Relationships, Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire 13. Data were downloaded and analyzed in SPSS26 and Amos26.ResultsA theoretical model of the connections between the study variables was tested via SEM and confirmed. The profiles of participants with high, average and low levels of ONs were compared. Participants with the highest levels also scored highest for compulsive exercise, insecure attachment, alexithymia, emotion regulation difficulties, weight and shape concerns, body dissatisfaction, restriction, bingeing, purging and parental feeding practices of concern about child’s weight and restricting and monitoring the child’s intake of calorie-rich foods.DiscussionHigh levels of ONs are related to disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, as well as to emotional and behavioral correlates of eating disorders. It is unclear to what extent these ONs are distinguishable from symptoms of other eating disorders listed in the DSM-5. Longitudinal studies may help to elucidate distinct trajectories and risk factors for ON.Level of evidence: Level III, case–control analytic study.

Foundations of the Positive Affect Tolerance Protocol: The Central Role of Interpersonal Positive Affect in Attachment and Self-Regulation

Research has highlighted the negative effects of early neglect and abuse on the development of emotional self-regulation and attachment. Attention has focused more on negative affect states related to past adverse and traumatic experiences than on the deactivating effects of the absence of early shared positive affect states from parent-infant play, warmth, and affection. Treatment strategies for survivors of early neglect and abuse have focused on methods to metabolize memories of traumatic events. Skills development models have emphasized the benefits of distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindfulness training for patients with persistent negative affect states. Research on the benefits of therapeutic interventions intended to increase positive affect indicates they promote prosocial behaviors and creativity, broaden the scope of attention, reduce emotional symptoms and behavioral problems, and improve physical health. Within the field of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, procedures to increase positive affect have generally focused on resource development and installation procedures intended to increase access to positive affect-related memories and images. A neglected clinical issue is the inability of survivors of early neglect to tolerate and integrate actual positive interpersonal experience into positive emotional states, interpersonal scripts, or self-concepts. These deficiencies, characteristic of those with dismissing insecure attachment, help produce and maintain profound psychological, medical, and social problems that limit the ability of patients with these histories from progressing in psychotherapy. This article explores research supporting the potential benefits of an EMDR-related procedure, the positive affect tolerance (PAT) and integration protocol, along with possible mechanisms by which the PAT protocol in general, and its bilateral stimulation procedures, might produce clinical benefits for survivors of early neglect. Case vignettes illustrate the potential challenges of implementing and the potential impact of the PAT protocol. Research designs and assessment tools are described that could clarify the potential benefits of the PAT protocol compared to other treatments designed to increase positive affect.

Drama Triangle roles - Linking attachment and mentalization with internalizing and externalizing problems

ABSTRACT Insecure attachment and underdeveloped mentalization are associated with high levels of internalizing and externalizing problems. To reduce such problems, the concept of Drama Triangle (DT) is often used in group treatment yet there is little research on how they are linked. Our aim is to examine the relationship between attachment, mentalization, externalizing and internalizing problems, and DT roles (Victim, Rescuer, Persecutor) as a mediator between them. A group of 266 participants completed an online questionnaire that included instruments for measuring these concepts. The results established anxiety as a positive predictor for all DT roles. Avoidance showed negative prediction for Rescuer and Persecutor. Hypomentalization and hypermentalization, respectively, predict Victim positively and Persecutor negatively. The victim in its turn is a predictor of internalizing, and Persecutor of both internalizing and externalizing problems. The study confirmed our major hypothesis concerning the mediating effect of DT roles, thus supporting their use in group work.

Understanding psychoanalytic work online and back to the couch in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: an investigation among Italian psychoanalysts.

Worldwide, psychotherapists' clinical experience went through rapid developments with transition to teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Literature on the use of remote psychoanalysis was not conclusive, leaving the issue of the consequences of the necessary setting alternation open. This study aimed to investigate the psychoanalysts' experiences of shifting to remote work and then returning to in-person setting, considering the effect of the patients' attachment styles and personality configurations. Seventy-one analysts of the Italian Psychoanalytic Society were asked to fill out an online survey about patients who found the transition easier and patients who found it more difficult. General questions on therapeutic work, ISTS (Interpretive and Supportive Technique Scale) for interpretive and supportive aspects of technique, WAI-S-TR (Working Alliance Inventory-Short Revised-Therapist) for therapeutic alliance, RQ (Relationship Questionnaire) for attachment style, and PMAI (Prototype Matching of Anaclitic-Introjective Personality Configuration) for personality configurations were administered. All of the analysts chose to continue the treatment using audio-visual tools. Patients with difficult transitions had a significantly higher frequency of insecure attachment and a higher score on RQ Dismissing scale than patients with easy transitions. No significant differences were found between the two groups in personality configurations, psychotherapeutic alliance, and psychotherapeutic technique. Moreover, a higher level of therapeutic alliance was positively correlated to RQ Secure scale and was negatively correlated to RQ Dismissing scale. Patients with easy transition both to remote work and back to in-person setting had higher scores of therapeutic alliances than those with difficult transition both to remote work and back to in-person setting. Online psychoanalytic therapy was widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with insecure attachment styles had greater difficulties in adapting to setting alternations, thus confirming that insecure attachment is a vulnerability factor not only for psychopathological problems but also for a well-functioning therapeutic collaboration. Patient's personality configuration did not influence their adaptation to the setting alternation. The supportive and interpretive styles did not undergo significant changes in the transition from in-person setting to remote setting and vice versa, thus suggesting a continuity in the analysts' "internal setting."

Attachment Insecurity and Depression: The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Emotion Regulation

Attachment Insecurity and Depression: The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Emotion Regulation

Do Attachment Orientations Relate to Coping with Crises? Lessons from a Cross-Sectional Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study was designed to explore whether attachment orientations were related to distress and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample included 2000 Israeli Jewish adults who answered an online survey during the first phase of the pandemic. The questions referred to background variables, attachment orientations, distress, and resilience. Responses were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses. A significant positive relationship was found between distress and attachment anxiety, and a significant negative relationship was found between resilience and attachment insecurities (avoidance and anxiety). Women suffered higher distress, as did people with lower income, poor health, secular religious affiliation, a lack of a sense of spacious accommodation, and a dependent family member. The findings indicate that attachment insecurities are associated with the severity of mental health symptoms during the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend strengthening attachment security as a protective factor for psychological distress in therapeutic and educational settings.