Effect Of Attachment Anxiety Research Articles

Different Effects of Attachment Anxiety and Avoidance on Attention to Changing Facial Expressions

AbstractAttachment orientation has been reported to influence visual attention and cognitive decisions regarding facial expressions. However, previous studies have reported mixed results regarding the effects of attachment orientation. This study aims to examine how attachment anxiety and avoidance affect judgment and attention allocation during free viewing of dynamic facial expressions. Although we did not find any association between attachment orientation and the reaction time to judge the timings of changes in facial expressions, the relationship between attachment orientation and attention was found. When viewing the appearance of anger, attachment avoidance had a positive relationship and attachment anxiety had a negative relationship with looking time to the eye area. When the eye‐tracking data were divided into 12 consecutive intervals of 1 s each, the attachment orientation had different relationships with visual attention based on the type of emotion presented. We discuss possible explanations for these results and directions for further research in cross‐cultural contexts.

Changing for the worse: The effects of attachment anxiety on perceived self-adulteration

In romantic relationships, people’s self-concepts (i.e., a person’s conceptualization of themselves) change. They expand to incorporate partners’ characteristics and contract to eliminate no longer relevant self-characteristics. This process is a sign that a couple is growing closer and is associated with positive outcomes. However, not all incorporated characteristics are positive. Some individuals are more likely to have selves that expand to incorporate negative characteristics, and as such they engage in the process of self-adulteration. As a result, they may fail to reap the positive outcomes of self-concept change. In one study and a direct replication (total N = 821), we predicted and found that people high in attachment anxiety are more likely to perceive greater self-adulteration in their relationship. In a third longitudinal study ( N = 122), we found people high in attachment anxiety at Time 1 perceived greater self-adulteration at Time 2.

Maternal Early Parent Attachment and Social Interest: The Effect of Attachment Anxiety and Attachment Avoidance

This study explored the relationship between maternal early parental attachment (EPA) and social interest. The participants were 311 mothers with elementary schoolchildren who lived in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area. Data were collected through an online questionnaire provided on the portal site and analyzed using k-means clustering, <i>t</i>-test, One-Way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 for Windows and, RMSEA, TLI, NFI and CFI using IBM SPSS AMOS 18 for Windows. The principal results were as follows. Firstly, mothers’ EPA anxiety and avoidance had a negative influence on social interest. Secondly, social interest was found to be significantly higher among mothers with a secure attachment style than among mothers with an insecure attachment style. Thirdly, significant differences were observed in levels of social interest among mothers with secure, preoccupied, dismissive, and disorientated attachment styles. A Scheffé post-hoc test revealed that social interest was significantly higher among mothers with a secure attachment style than among mothers with a disorientated attachment style. The experience of relationships with caregivers early in life is therefore important in the development of social interest.

Mental health based on ecological psychology on college students with personality disorder

BackgroundIn the current field of contemporary psychology, ecological psychology has become a new theoretical orientation, believing that everything in the ecosystem interacts and is interrelated. Depressive Personality Disorder (DPD) is a common and severe mental illness that is common among college students worldwide. Exploring the factors influencing depression among college students from the perspective of ecological psychology, with a focus on the effects of attachment anxiety, self-esteem cognition, and academic adaptation on depression among Chinese college students.Subjects and MethodsIn this study, 452 college students from Nanjing University in Jiangsu Province were assessed by Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Adult Attachment Scale (AAS) and Self-esteem and Academic Adjustment Scale (SES). Amos software was used to conduct confirmatory factor analysis on the survey results.ResultsThere were significant differences in the dimensions of academic adaptation, self-esteem and adult attachment (P=0.000, P<0.05), and there were significant differences between gender and total score of depression (t= -2.098, P<0.05). Attachment anxiety not only predicts depression directly but also indirectly through self-esteem. Academic adaptation not only predicts depression directly but also influences depressive anxiety through the mediating effects of self-esteem and attachment.ConclusionsAcademic adjustment, depression disorder, attachment anxiety and self-esteem were significantly correlated with depression disorder in college students. Self-esteem plays a mediating role between attachment anxiety and depression, and attachment anxiety and self-esteem play a mediating role between academic adaptation and depression.Acknowledgement2021 Research Project on Internet Ideological and Political Work in Guangdong Colleges and Universities (No. GDWL21YB99).

유아기 자녀를 둔 어머니의 애착 불안과 애착 회피가 양육 불안에 미치는 영향

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effects of Perceived Marital Support and Self-Compassion on the effects of Attachment Anxiety and Attachment Avoidance on Parenting Anxiety. Methods For this purpose, data were collected using the Attachment Anxiety Scale, Attachment Avoidance Scale, Parenting Anxiety Scale, Perceived spouse support scale, and self-compassion scale from 349 mothers with children in childhood. For statistical analysis of the collected data, the structural equation model verification method was used using SPSS 22.0 and Amos 22.0, and bootstrapping was performed to confirm the statistical significance of the mediating effect. Results First, the mediating effect of perceived spouse support on the relationship between attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and parenting anxiety was confirmed. Second, the mediating effect of self-compassion was confirmed in the relationship between attachment anxiety and parenting anxiety. Third, in the effect of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance on parenting anxiety, the perceived double mediating effect of spouse support and self-compassion was confirmed. Conclusions By confirming the mediating role of Perceived Marital Support and Self-Compassion in the relationship between Attachment Anxiety, Attachment Avoidance and Parenting Anxiety, theoretical and empirical evidence was prepared for the relationship between each variable related to Parenting Anxiety, and counseling to treat Parenting Anxiety It is meaningful in that it provided information for effective therapeutic hypotheses and interventions in practice.

The Mediating Effect of Social Support on the Relationship between Adult Attachment and the Subjective Happiness of University Students

This study examines the relationship of adult attachment, social support, and subjective happiness of university students, and confirm the mediating effect of social support in the relationship between adult attachment and subjective happiness. Participants in this study consist of 284 university students enrolled in G city. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS to conduct descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and a structural equation model. The main findings are as follows. First, Attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance showed negative correlations with social support and subjective happiness. And social support showed a positive correlation with subjective happiness. Second, social support showed a partial mediating effect on the effect of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance on the subjective happiness of university students. This study is meaningful in providing basic data for educational and counseling interventions that enhance subjective happiness of university students.

The role of mindfulness and attachment security in facilitating resilience

BackgroundIn recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring ways to facilitate positive psychological dispositions, including resilience. The goal of the present study was to explore the possibility that trait mindfulness facilitates attachment security and thus enhances resilience.MethodsWe conducted two studies based on cross-sectional surveys. In Study 1, data of 207 students studying in Japan was collected. In Study 2, we used a different sample of 203 participants and different measurements to replicate the findings of Study 1.ResultsThe results of Study 1 revealed that mindfulness positively predicted resilience, while attachment anxiety and avoidance were mediators between mindfulness and resilience. The results of Study 2 showed that mindfulness positively predicted resilience, and the mediating effect of attachment avoidance was significant, but the mediating effect of attachment anxiety was not significant.ConclusionsIt is possible to facilitate attachment security through cultivating trait mindfulness, and in this way, resilience could be enhanced. The effect of different components of mindfulness on attachment and resilience requires further studies.

Different effects of anxiety and avoidance dimensions of attachment on interpersonal trust: A multilevel meta-analysis

Interpersonal trust is significant in the development of society. Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding the trust-building process. Although many studies have investigated the association between attachment and interpersonal trust, controversy still exists regarding their correlation and the separate effects of attachment anxiety and avoidance on interpersonal trust. This meta-analysis summarized the combined relationship between both attachment dimensions and interpersonal trust in adults by including 53 articles reporting 149 effect sizes ( N = 45,166). The results revealed that both attachment dimensions were negatively, concurrently, and longitudinally associated with interpersonal trust. Further, subgroup analyses indicated that attachment avoidance was more strongly related to interpersonal trust than attachment anxiety ( F(1,291) = 459.568, p < .001). The effect sizes varied across cultures, trust figures, and sample sizes. The effect sizes between attachment anxiety ( r = −.038) and attachment avoidance ( r = −.15) on interpersonal trust in Chinese studies were both lower than in Western studies. Our results highlight the importance of attachment security in interpersonal relationships.

Attachment anxiety and avoidance predict postnatal partner support through impaired affective communication

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to investigate perceived difficulties in affective communication as a key mechanism linking attachment anxiety and avoidance during pregnancy to the quality of postpartum support received by partners.BackgroundDuring the postpartum period, partner support has the potential to promote family well‐being by mitigating stress related to changes experienced during this transition. Attachment security is one of the most robust predictors of intimate relationship processes and impacts partner communication and support dynamics.MethodHeterosexual couples (N = 159) completed surveys and semi‐structured interviews to obtain measures of attachment security, perceived difficulties in affective communication, and quality of partner support quality during pregnancy. At 6 months postpartum, partners completed interviews to assess the quality of partner support received since childbirth.ResultsGreater attachment anxiety and avoidance predicted greater impairments in affective communication for men and women. Paternal difficulties with affective communication predicted the quality of support received by both mothers and fathers during the 6 months following childbirth controlling for prenatal support. The effects of attachment anxiety and avoidance on postpartum support were mediated by paternal perceptions of poor affective communication.ConclusionFindings demonstrate the utility of attachment theory for understanding adaptive and maladaptive prenatal couple dynamics and examining both parents in research on heterosexual couples navigating the pregnancy‐postpartum transition. Results identify deficits in prenatal affective communication as a key factor explaining the link between attachment insecurity and postpartum partner support, warranting closer attention in interventions.

Attachment and symptom reporting in adolescents and young adults after a concussion

BackgroundThe incidence of hospital-treated concussion is 100–300/100,000 person years. Reporting of long-lasting post-concussion symptoms (PCS) is estimated at 5–15%. Attachment insecurity is a potential vulnerability factor for physical illness and poorer disease outcomes in general. This study aimed to explore associations between attachment insecurity and PCS in young people sustaining a concussion. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was embedded in a cohort of 15–30-year-old patients (n = 3080) 3 months after sustaining a concussion. Data were obtained from a database and questionnaires. PCS were measured by the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire and attachment dimensions (anxiety and avoidance) by the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression models were performed to investigate the association between the attachment dimensions and PCS with adjustment for demographic, injury-related and psychological factors and with additional testing for interaction between the attachment dimensions. ResultsIn the final study sample, comprising 973 patients (31.6%), we found an interaction between the attachment dimensions. Hence, the effect of attachment anxiety on PCS was statistically insignificant at low avoidance (25th percentile) but significant at high avoidance (75th percentile, β = 0.64 (95%CI: 0.02; 1.26)), whereas the effect of attachment avoidance was significant regardless of level of attachment anxiety (25th percentile, β = 1.09 (95%CI: 0.18; 2.01); 75th percentile, β = 2.71 (95%CI: 1.80; 3.61)). ConclusionAttachment insecurity, especially characterised by high avoidance in combination with high anxiety, also called fearful attachment, is associated with PCS. Considering the attachment perspective can potentially improve health care for this patient group.

The Impact of Attachment on Depression in Married Seniors: Chain Mediating Effects of Self-Esteem and Rumination.

In this study, we discuss the effects of attachment on depression and the mediating roles of self-esteem and rumination in Chinese seniors. We assessed 431 using the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Ruminative Responses Scale, and the Short Form of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance significantly predicted depression in seniors. Attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance positively predicted rumination but negatively predicted self-esteem. Structural equation models showed that rumination and self-esteem fully mediated the effects of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance on depression. The attachment of seniors is related to depression, and self-esteem and rumination have chain mediating effects between attachment and depression.

Attachment and task persistence: attachment orientations, perception of teacher’s responsiveness, and adolescents’ persistence in academic tasks

ABSTRACT The goal of the two studies reported here was to examine the contribution of adolescents’ attachment orientations (anxiety, avoidance) and their perception of teacher’s responsiveness to persistence in academic tasks. In Study 1 (N = 160), we assessed self-reports of persistence in schoolwork. In Study 2 (N = 240), we manipulated the symbolic presence of participants’ teacher (teacher priming) and assessed their actual persistence in a cognitive task. Across the two studies, attachment anxiety was associated with decreased persistence, and the perception of teacher as a responsive figure contributed to heightened persistence and buffered the detrimental effects of attachment anxiety. Study 2’s findings also showed that the beneficial effects of perceived teacher’s responsiveness on actual task persistence were found only when the teacher was made contextually salient but not when the teacher was not salient. We discussed the dispositional and contextual sources of attachment security that contribute to task persistence.

Adult attachment, sacrifice, and emotional wellbeing of couples: A cross-cultural comparison between the U.S. and China

This study examined the effects of romantic partners’ adult attachment on sacrifice in relationships and each partner’s corresponding emotional reactions using the strain-test situation protocol. Because the general values and expectations related to romantic relationship embedded in cultural norms might be different, this study also investigated potential cultural differences in this phenomenon, using a cross-cultural sample (115 dating couples in U.S. and 99 dating couples in China). Results showed a similar pattern across the groups that individuals tend to make less sacrifice when they or their partner were avoidantly attached; however, the actor effect of attachment anxiety on sacrifice only occurred in the US sample. In addition, the positive impact of sacrifice on both the individual’s and recipient’s emotional wellbeing was observed across cultures, although this impact seemed to be stronger in the Chinese sample. When asked to sacrifice, American participants with high attachment avoidance reported less negative affect whereas it was the anxiously attached Chinese participants who experienced less negative emotion. Findings of this study confirm the significant impact of adult attachment on sacrifice and corresponding emotional reactions, and also highlight the possible cross-cultural differences in the magnitude of these effects.

The effects of Attachment anxiety and need for control on dating violence.

The effects of Attachment anxiety and need for control on dating violence.

Attachment, acculturative stress, and mental health of Mexican immigrants

ABSTRACT Mexican immigrants in the United States (US) account for 11.4 million individuals, yet little psychological research has examined the role of adult attachment on their acculturation experience and mental health outcome. This study investigated the relations among adult attachment, acculturative stress, and mental health (i.e., psychological distress, life satisfaction) with a sample of 154 non-US-citizen Mexican immigrants. Results indicated that the direct effects of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance on psychological distress were not significant when considering acculturative stress, but both attachment variables indirectly associated with psychological distress via acculturative stress. Consistent with our hypothesis, attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were positively associated with acculturative stress. Higher acculturative stress was positively correlated with psychological distress, but it was not significantly associated with life satisfaction. Further, attachment avoidance was directly associated with life satisfaction, but its indirect effect on life satisfaction via acculturative stress was not significant. Attachment anxiety did not have a significant direct or indirect effect on life satisfaction. Findings highlight the role of acculturative stress in the association of adult attachment and mental health and suggest that psychological interventions targeting at alleviating acculturative stress may be important in reducing psychological distress for non-US-citizen Mexican immigrants with insecure attachment.

Different effects of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance on depressive symptoms: A meta-analysis

Although insecure adult attachment is thought to be associated with depressive symptoms, results of research on the link between attachment dimensions (attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance) and depressive symptoms have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to use meta-analysis to examine the strength of the correlations between the two attachment dimensions and depressive symptoms. A total of 64 papers and 78 independent samples were included in this meta-analysis. Results showed significant associations between both attachment dimensions and depressive symptoms. Additional analyses indicated that attachment anxiety was more strongly related to depressive symptoms, whereas attachment avoidance was weakly related to depressive symptoms. Cultural orientation and sex were found to moderate the relationship between attachment anxiety and depressive symptoms. Age was a significant moderator of the relationships between both attachment anxiety and avoidance and depressive symptoms. Results of the meta-analysis and the implications were discussed.

Coach-Athlete Attachment and the Subjective Well-Being of Athletes: A Multiple-Mediation Model Analysis.

The current study aims to explore how coach–athlete attachment affects the subjective well-being (SWB) of athletes and is primarily focused on the confirmation of the mediating roles of athletes’ perceived coach support and self-esteem in the relationship between them. A total of 179 Chinese athletes participated in this study, in which they responded to questions comprising a coach–athlete attachment scale, a perceived coach support measurement, the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and SWB measures. The results suggest that both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance significantly predict SWB in athletes. The effects of attachment anxiety on SWB are partially mediated by perceived coach support and self-esteem, and the effects of attachment avoidance on SWB are completely mediated by perceived coach support and self-esteem. Moreover, a chain mediating effect was found: coach–athlete attachment → perceived coach support → self-esteem → SWB. These findings extend the conclusions of prior reports and shed light on how coach–athlete attachment influences the athlete’s well-being.

Mediators of the Relationship Between Attachment and Dispositional Mindfulness in Adolescents

ObjectivesConverging studies have confirmed a robust relationship between attachment and mindfulness, leading to the proposition that dispositional mindfulness originates from early interpersonal relationships. Despite this assertion, few studies have examined these relationships in adolescents and young adults. Theoretical linkages between mindfulness, attachment, relationships, and self-regulation suggest that attachment may be linked to mindfulness via self-regulatory capacity. This study examined the direct effect of attachment on dispositional mindfulness in adolescents and young adults, as well as indirect effects via attentional control and emotion regulation.MethodsParticipants were 421 adolescents and young people age 12–24 years (M = 17, SD = 4.10). They completed a self-report survey measuring attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, dispositional mindfulness, attentional control (AC), and emotion regulation (ER).ResultsThere was a moderate effect of attachment anxiety 95% CI [− 1.45, − 0.93], and a small effect of attachment avoidance 95% CI [− 1.27, − 0.44] on mindfulness. Attachment anxiety was indirectly related to mindfulness via AC, 95% CI [− 0.32, − 10], and ER, [− 0.80, − 0.41], as was attachment avoidance (AC, 95% CI [− 44, − 0.10], ER, 95% CI [− 0.52, − 0.19]. Serial mediation analyses revealed serial paths from AC through ER and ER through AC with small effect sizes relative to individual mediators.ConclusionsLevels of dispositional mindfulness in adolescents were linked to attachment insecurity dimensions through attention control and emotion regulation. Attachment dimension-specific differences were noted; for the anxiety dimension, emotion regulation exerts a stronger mediating effect.

The Relationship between Insecure Attachment to Depression: Mediating Role of Sleep and Cognitive Reappraisal.

Previously, we have shown that neuromodulators are important factors in stress-induced emotional disorders, such as depression, for example, serotonin is the major substance for depression. Many psychological studies have proved that depression is due to insecure attachment. In addition, sleep is a major symptom of depression. Furthermore, serotonin is the substrate for both sleep and depression. To explore the role of sleep in the relationships between insecure attachment and depression, we investigated 755 college students with Close Relationship Inventory, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Self-rated Depression Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The results showed that (1) insecure attachment positively predicted poor sleep quality; (2) sleep quality partially affected depression, possibly due the same stress neuromodulators such as norepinephrine and cortisol; and (3) cognitive reappraisal moderated the mediating path leading from attachment anxiety to poor sleep quality. These findings highlight the moderating role of cognitive reappraisal in the effects of attachment anxiety on sleep quality and finally on depression. In conclusion, sleep quality links attachment anxiety and emotional disorders.

Attachment dimensions and forgiveness of others: A meta-analysis

Forgiveness, as a response to interpersonal transgressions, has multiple societal and individual benefits. Individual differences in attachment have been identified as a predictor not only of forgiveness but of state responses frequently associated with forgiveness. The current meta-analysis is the first systematic analysis of the effect of attachment dimensions (i.e., anxiety and avoidance) on forgiveness of others. Analysis of published and unpublished studies ( k = 26) identified significant, small-to-medium effects of attachment anxiety ( r = −.25) and attachment avoidance ( r = −.18) on forgiveness of others. No significant difference was obtained between measures of state and trait forgiveness. The moderating effects of study paradigm, attachment measure, publication type, and sample population were also investigated. The findings of a stable negative effect of insecure attachment dimensions on forgiveness of others provide a base for future research that may focus on reducing attachment anxiety and avoidance to support forgiveness.