Attachment Theory Research Articles

Rejection Sensitivity: A Concept Analysis

Purpose: This study conducted a concept analysis of rejection sensitivity using the Walker and Avant method, to clarify its defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences. So, this contributes to a deeper understanding of its role in interpersonal relationships.Methods: Walker and Avant’s framework, this concept analysis included a thorough literature review across multiple disciplines. The literature was extracted from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and RISS.Results: Rejection sensitivity is a psychological construct encompassing several attributes, including rejection expectation, perception of rejection, and reaction to perceived rejection. This trait is influenced by various antecedents, including early life experiences, attachment style, and cultural factors. The consequences or events associated with rejection sensitivity span multiple domains and can significantly affect an individual’s life.Conclusion: According to interpersonal psychology and attachment theory, problem behavior in adolescents is a state of unsatisfied affection for parents and a response to feelings of unacceptance. Rejection sensitivity is particularly important in the Korean culture because of cultural factors.

Secure base and mental health in children: a narrative review.

Childhood is a crucial period for the formation of an individual's attachment type. Previous studies focused more on how to directly intervene in children's mental health problems such as depression, and less on how to improve children's mental health from the perspective of attachment relationship. Secure base, as one of the core concepts of attachment theory, plays an important role in the whole process of children's psychological development. In this article, we review the concept of the secure base, describe current clinical practice and suggest future directions. A literature search was performed within electronic databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, and CNKI. Chinese and English articles focusing on the secure base and attachment relationship among children were retrieved. Their publication dates were set from the inception of the database to August 6, 2024. While the secure base significantly impacts early childhood, a safe base may also be established through group and teacher-student relationships to activate individual secure attachment schemas. Most prior studies concentrated on the mother-child bond, with limited exploration of the father's role in the family dynamic. Furthermore, children's secure attachment development is not only influenced by parents' secure base script knowledge (SBSK) but also by intergenerational transmission. The underlying structure of secure base scripting knowledge plays a distinct role in middle childhood mental health. The mechanism by which family structure, the functional division of family roles, and the potential structure of safe-base script knowledge influence children's secure attachment development at various stages warrants further elucidation, including investigating cross-gender and cross-cultural stability. To facilitate the development of children's secure attachment pathways, it is essential to consider different attachment styles within parents and diverse family structures (including those in lesbian, gay, bisexual). From a clinical psychotherapy perspective, this review offered novel insights and practical guidance on how the secure base mechanism impacts children's mental health, with the overarching goal of mitigating the risk of mental health problems.

Towards Theology of Parenthood: Mother Mary as the Role Model for Sensitive and Secure Christian Parenting

Mother Mary’s intimate and confidential relationship with God has inspired Christians around the world for the last two millennia. Her role in salvation history has already been discussed in detail in various church documents and scholarly literature. However, from an interdisciplinary point of view, her maternal role has not yet been fully evaluated from a psychological and child-rearing perspective. Therefore, in this article, we conduct a psychological analysis of the Gospel passages that talk about her maternal role and we evaluate these passages through the prism of the well-established attachment theory. Despite temporal and cultural differences, Mary’s maternal attitude is found to be highly consistent with the key findings in research on quality parenting and interpersonal relationships. As we show, her “maternal genius” is revealed through the following fundamental characteristics of attachment-focused parenting: unconditional acceptance, sensitive guidance, compassionate accompaniment and continuous emotional regulation. These characteristics of Mary’s motherhood come to the fore especially in the key moments of salvation history. The psychological analysis of Mary’s motherhood brings an important contribution to the “aggiornamento” of Mariology and enables some new opportunities for pastoral theology. With new scientifically supported insights, the Church will be better equipped to help parents to discover the beauty and depth of the mission of parenthood, following Mary’s example. The findings of our research therefore also represent an important foundation for the emerging theology of parenthood.

UNDERSTANDING ALEXITHYMIA: A PSYCHOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE

Objective: The objective of the review is to understand multifaceted construct of alexithymia and its association with psychosocial variables. Method: A thorough examination of the literature on the construct of alexithymia was conducted, encompassing studies published over several years. The empirical findings over the years regarding various psychosocial variables, including attachment styles and empathy were also reviewed. The Sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidity of alexithymia with other mental health conditions were also analyzed. Results: The review revealed that attachment bond plays a significant role in the development of alexithymia, childhood trauma due to unhealthy mother-infant bond can be one of the reasons for difficulty in understanding emotions which leads to difficulties in empathy as well. Furthermore, alexithymia has been found to be comorbid with depression, anxiety, autism and other mental illnesses. Conclusion: The findings of the review suggests that alexithymia is an important construct which can influence various psychosocial aspects of life. Although some of the variables have been extensively studied, much remains to be unclear. Further research will add up value to comprehensively evaluate the impact of alexithymia on psychosocial aspects Keywords: alexithymia, psychosocial perspective, attachment styles, empathy.

The Relationship Between Attachment Styles and Marital Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Positive Relational Behaviors

This study aimed to investigate the association between individuals’ attachment styles and their marital satisfaction through positive relational behaviors (PRBs). This was a correlational study of structural equation modeling (SEM). Out of all married students of Bu-Ali Sina University. A total of 261 (69 men and 192 women) filled out our questionnaires. The results from SEM indicated that the hypothesized model in this study had a good fit with the study sample. The secure attachment style demonstrated a significant positive relationship with marital satisfaction through PRBs, while the ambivalent and avoidant attachment styles exhibited a negative association with marital satisfaction through PRBs.

Assessment of Mothers' Shaking Behavior of their Babies and Related Factors: An Experimental Approach Using an Accelerometer and an Infant Manikin.

Our study aimed to investigate the factors associated with mothers' shaking behavior of their babies. Sixty-three mothers who stated that they shook their babies (Group B) and 91 mothers who stated that they did not (Group A) among those who applied to or were followed up from the Pediatric Outpatient Clinics of our University Hospital were included. The mothers (with a baby aged 0-30 months) completed the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and psychiatric rating scales measuring attachment styles, empathic tendency, perceived social support, and self-esteem. The severity of the simulated shaking of the mothers was measured by an accelerometer placed on an infant manikin and separately scored on a Numerical Rating Scale by the researchers and an Illustrated Numeric Rating Scale by the mothers. In group B, babies' crying frequency was higher (P = .008); soothing the babies when they cried was more difficult (P = .019), mothers reported that they were exposed to physical violence more in their childhood (P = .003), BSI hostility scores (P = .004) and BSI-anxiety scores (P = .034) of the mothers were higher when compared with the group A. The age of the babies (P = .002, OR = 1.096), moderate crying frequency (P = .035, OR = 2.900), the mothers' difficulty in soothing their babies (sometimes P = .018, OR = 3.705, often/always P = .014, OR = 7.777), and the mothers' experience of physical violence in childhood (P = .002, OR = 5.674) were found to be factors affecting the shaking behavior. Clarifying the factors associated with the mothers' shaking behavior of their babies would be helpful in terms of protecting future generations.

Sharing Your Husband: Adult Attachment Styles and Emotional Responses of Israeli Bedouin-Arab Women to Potential Polygynous Marriage.

Polygynous marriage is prevalent among Israel's Bedouin-Arab community, despite being explicitly banned by state law. Cultural traditions and customs permit men to take multiple wives, and Islamic teachings do not prohibit the practice. The impact of polygyny is significant, affecting women, children, and society as a whole in various ways. We examined the connections that attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance had with hypothetical responses to the potential threat of polygynous marriages in a community sample of young unmarried Israeli Bedouin-Arab women (n = 306). Participants were randomly assigned to imagine either a high-threat scenario (i.e., finding that their husband decided to take a second wife; n = 151) or a low-threat scenario (i.e., their husband would not decide to take a second wife; n = 155) and report their anticipated responses to these scenarios. Results showed that attachment anxiety was positively associated with anticipated negative emotional responses in the high-threat condition but not in the low-threat condition. However, neither attachment anxiety nor attachment avoidance were associated with the perceived threat of polygyny to their marriage. The findings of this study suggest that attachment styles play a significant role in shaping women's perceptions and reactions to hypothetical polygynous marriages. Women with anxious attachment styles are more likely to experience intensified negative emotions regarding such marriages, while those with avoidant attachment styles may display greater tolerance toward polygyny. These results highlight the need for tailored interventions and support systems that take into account individual psychological profiles as well as the broader cultural context of Israeli Bedouin-Arab society.

Affective temperament, attachment style and life events related to abandonment in an Italian sample with somatic symptoms

ObjectiveThis study investigates the psychological factors influencing somatic symptoms following the end of a romantic relationship. We hypothesize that affective temperaments may predict attachment styles and depressive rumination components in individuals who have experienced abandonment. Furthermore, we postulate that gender differences exist in the variables under investigation. MethodsThe administered tests included: Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Questionnaire (TEMPS-A), Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and Ruminative Response Scale (RRS). The differences between the groups were assessed using Student's t-test for independent samples. In addition, regression analysis, in which the RRS (Brooding, Reflection and Depression) and ASQ (Confidence, Discomfort with Closeness, Need for Approval, Preoccupation with Relationships, and Relationships as Secondary) variables were considered dependent variables and all the TEMPS-A factors were included in the equation. ResultsSubjects at the end of a love affair presented the following psychosomatic symptoms: difficulty breathing, chest pain, feeling faint, sweating, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, air hunger, difficulty sleeping, and swollen legs and ankles. The Anxious and Hyperthymic temperaments were negative predictors of the ruminative depressive dimension, and of “Confidence” and “Discomfort with Closeness” in the ASQ. The Cyclothymic and Anxious temperaments were predictors of “Discomfort with Closeness”, “Need for Approval”, “Preoccupation with Relationships”, and “Relationships as Secondary”. ConclusionAffective temperaments play a crucial role in determining how an individual deals abandonment in a romantic relationship, significantly influencing attachment styles and the tendency towards depressive rumination.

How Attachment to Dogs and to Other Humans Relate to Mental Health.

It is unclear how pet ownership is related to mental health, with some previous research suggesting pet owners have better mental health, while other research suggests they have worse mental health. Some researchers have suggested that it may be more useful to investigate the bond people feel with their pets and how this may impact mental health; however, this too has led to mixed results. This study examined how owners' attachment to their dogs was associated with mental health and how this compared to their attachment relationships with other humans in a sample of 607 dog owners. Our findings indicate that both strong and insecure attachments to dogs are linked to poorer mental health outcomes, as was having an insecure attachment style in their human relationships. The adverse impact of strong attachment to dogs on mental health was mediated by these owners having an anxious attachment style toward other people, which in turn was associated with poorer mental health. The relationship between a strong attachment to dogs and poorer mental health was also moderated by gender, with this relationship being significant in women but not significant for men. Together, these results suggest a possible risk to mental health for owners who form a strong attachment to their dogs to compensate for anxious attachments in human relationships.

A Study on the Relationship between Parental Parenting Styles and Adolescent Attachment Decision Making Styles

This study investigates the associations between perceived parenting styles, attachment orientations, and decision - making styles among adolescents. Employing a cross - sectional, correlation research design, data were collected from 197 eighth - grade students (111 boys and 86 girls) Participants completed self - reported scales measuring perceived parenting styles, attachment styles, and decision - making styles. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between parental responsiveness and secure attachment, highlighting the crucial role of parental warmth and support in fostering secure attachments during adolescence. Conversely, a significant correlation was found between parental control and fearful attachments, indicating the adverse effects of harsh and inconsistent parenting practices on attachment patterns. . These findings underscore the importance of responsive parenting in nurturing secure attachment bonds and advocate for culturally sensitive approaches to understanding parenting styles. Further research is warranted to explore parental influences on adolescent decision - making across diverse cultural contexts, with implications for tailored interventions aimed at promoting positive outcomes in adolescents' development.

Exploring links between attachment and mental health

Attachment theory provides numerous implications for mental health and individual functioning throughout the lifespan. Attachment styles, formed based on early interactions with a caregiver, play a crucial role in emotional regulation, relational satisfaction, and psychological well-being. Childhood experiences become the foundation for the development of internal models of self, the world, and others, influencing attachment patterns in adulthood. These patterns are significant for later relationships, especially romantic ones, mental health, and the development of psychopathology. If the primary caregiver responds consistently, supports, and comforts the child, the child will be inclined to cooperate, seek closeness, and feel loved and safe. Such a child will develop a secure attachment, viewing the caregiver as a secure base and a refuge from the unpredictable world. Individuals who formed a secure attachment style in childhood tend to create stable and mature relationships, exhibit greater psychological resilience, and are less likely to struggle with mental health issues. Conversely, if the caregiver is unresponsive or lacks sensitivity, the child may develop an insecure attachment style, characterized by heightened anxiety or avoidance. Attachment-related anxiety is associated with a persistent state of heightened vigilance, as individuals remain on alert, anticipating potential separation from their parents. Avoidant attachment is marked by a tendency to maintain emotional distance, reluctance to rely on others, and a lack of seeking comfort and support from caregivers. An insecure attachment style negatively impacts romantic relationships. Moreover, individuals characterized by attachment anxiety or avoidance are more prone to mental health disorders. Attachment theory provides a crucial framework for understanding the complex links between early relational experiences and mental health. Poor relationship quality, complex PTSD, depression, personality disorders—particularly antisocial and borderline—have their roots in early maladaptive relationships between the child and caregiver and may be related to interpersonal trauma. Secure attachment acts as a protective factor against psychopathologies, promoting emotional stability and healthy social functioning.

Disability and infidelity with a cross-cultural couple: an emotionally focused therapy case study

ABSTRACT This clinical case study delves into the therapeutic process of a cross-cultural couple, facing the intersection of disability and infidelity concerns. This intersection illuminates the intricate dynamics that arise when couples navigate both the complexities of disability and the emotional turmoil associated with infidelity. Utilizing Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), case intervention unfolded through three distinct stages, revealing intricate emotional dynamics, attachment styles, and communication patterns. The study explores the couples’ narrative, negative interaction cycles, and distinct emotional processing styles, considering complicating factors such as immigration challenges, cultural norms, and online infidelity. To strengthen bonds, the therapeutic approach promotes cultural sensitivity, intersectionality, and emotional connection. Despite time constraints and visa issues, the study highlights the efficacy of EFT in navigating the complexities of this cross-cultural couple. This case study contributes to the existing literature by examining the interplay of disability, infidelity, and cultural diversity within the framework of couples’ therapy.

Studyholism and Attachment Style: A Study among Italian University Students.

Studyholism (or obsession with studying) is a new potential clinical condition introduced in the literature in 2017. Since then, growing research has supported its conceptualization as a clinical disorder and highlighted some potential intervention targets, namely trait worry, social anxiety, negative interpretation bias, and defense mechanisms. The present study aims to extend the literature concerning psychodynamic-related constructs that might constitute targets for interventions aimed at reducing Studyholism by investigating the role of attachment in 1073 students (Mage = 23.48 ± 3.77), balanced concerning civil status (i.e., currently being single or involved in a relationship/non-single). Among the main findings, we found that insecure attachment-mainly preoccupied attachment-is a positive predictor of Studyholism in both non-single and single students. However, there are also some differences depending on the civil status. Finally, (single) disengaged studyholics have a statistically significant lower level of secure attachment than (single) engaged studyholics. In conclusion, this study showed the value of distinguishing between non-single and single students when investigating the role of attachment. Regarding problematic overstudying specifically, the study provided support for its definition as a clinical disorder, also with evidence of the appropriateness of its OCD-related conceptualization. Finally, it suggests preoccupied (insecure) attachment as a target to reduce Studyholism by fostering in students the feeling of being loved and deserving of being loved in their current adult relationships.

An Examination of the Relationship between Peer Relationships, Attachment Styles, and Alcohol and Cigarette Use in Adolescents: Sample of Famagusta

An Examination of the Relationship between Peer Relationships, Attachment Styles, and Alcohol and Cigarette Use in Adolescents: Sample of Famagusta

Comparison of State-Trait Anxiety and Fear of Childbirth According to Attachment Styles of Pregnant Women.

Fear of childbirth (FoC) and its extreme form, tokophobia, is a clinical condition that can lead to many negative consequences, and its importance is increasingly understood. This article aims to assess the severity of FoC and anxiety levels according to different attachment styles and to investigate the relationships between these factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a state hospital in the largest city in Turkey. Three hundred pregnant women attending the Antenatal Outpatient Clinic were included. A sociodemographic questionnaire, Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire-version-A (W-DEQ), Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Adult Attachment Style Scale were administered. 8.1% of participants had tokophobia (W-DEQ sum score ≥85). FoC was significantly higher in pregnant women who had a history of pregnancy loss and past psychiatric history. For multiparous women, adverse birth outcomes were also associated with higher FoC. State and trait anxiety were positively correlated with FoC levels. Regarding the attachment patterns, pregnant women with avoidant attachment styles presented with higher levels of FoC than those with secure attachment styles. In logistic regression analysis, higher anxiety levels, adverse birth outcomes, and insecure attachment styles were found to predict severe and clinical FoC. FoC has a considerable effect on pregnant women, albeit at different clinical levels. Adverse birth outcomes, high anxiety levels, and insecure attachment styles were associated with higher FoC. Therefore, antenatal patients with adverse birth outcomes and higher anxiety levels, which are risk factors for FoC, should be carefully evaluated in terms of tokophobia and referred to mental health professionals when necessary.

Pathway linking attachment styles to post-traumatic growth among recovered COVID-19 patients: testing the mediating role of coping styles

ABSTRACT Background: Research on post-disaster mental health shows that people have unique resources to undergo positive changes like posttraumatic growth (PTG) after facing adversities. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between attachment styles and PTG in COVID-19 survivors, with a focus on exploring the mediating role of coping strategies. Through examining these dynamics, the study seeks to contribute to deeper understanding of the psychological processes underlying growth in individuals recovering from the pandemic. Method: A total of 210 participants were enrolled from the hospitals in Tabriz, Iran, in January 2021, and completed self-report questionnaires. PTG, attachment styles, and coping strategies were assessed using Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS), and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to assess the mediation models. Results: The direct effects of secure (β = 0.22, p < .001), and ambivalent-anxious attachment (β = −0.22, p < .001) on PTG were significant. Also, task-oriented coping significantly predicted PTG (β = .60, p < .001). The direct path from secure (β = 0.16, p < .05) and ambivalent-anxious attachment (β = −0.38, p < .001) to task-oriented coping was significant, as was direct impact of secure (β = −0.18, p < .01) and ambivalent-anxious attachment (β = 0.37, p < .001) to emotion-oriented coping. The association between secure attachment and PTG is significantly mediated by task-oriented coping (β = 0.1, (95% CI: 0.01–0.18)). Also, task-oriented coping was a significant negative mediator between ambivalent-anxious attachment and PTG (β = −0.24, (95% CI: −0.33 – −0.15)). Conclusions: Results support the mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between attachment styles and PTG. It emphasizes the importance of interventions for improving coping resources in individuals with life-threatening illnesses, focusing on improving problem-focused coping and reducing maladaptive strategies.

Two Case Presentations with Unexpected Outcomes after Childhood Trauma

Bowlby developed the theory of attachment, describing it as a lasting emotional bond between human beings, manifested by seeking proximity to caregivers, especially in times of distress. Children adjust their behavior to prevent separation from their primary attachment figure – someone who provides support, protection and care. Attachment theory provides a favorable framework for understanding our two cases and their developmental paths.We report two cases of female individuals, both of whom had a family history of psychiatric disease and experienced early parental separation with the grandparents playing significant roles in their upbringing. The two cases had radically different outcomes: one was diagnosed with schizophrenia and the other with generalized anxiety-depressive disorder. We attempt to analyze the reasons for the disparate outcomes of these two cases through the framework of numerous published studies that highlight protective and risk factors for psychiatric disease, studies that highlight the impact of traumatic events in childhood on a child’s biological, psychological and social development, as well as through the lens of psychodynamic and attachment theories. Throughout the analysis, the importance of early intervention is made clear: both through various treatment modalities and preventive measures, as well as by providing successful mental health programs directed towards the destigmatization of children with mental health problems.

Fanatisme Pemain Gim Mobile Legends pada Komunitas Kasino Squad

Mobile Legends is the most popular game in Indonesia currently. Its popularity then gave birth to many communities of online game lovers, one of which is the Casino Squad community. Researchers assume that several members of the Casino Squad have been identified as having fanaticism such as flaming, excessive enthusiasm, and a sense of emotional attachment and love that lasts for a long time. They show this fanaticism when playing the game Mobile Legends. This research aims to determine the forms of fanaticism in the online game players Mobile Legends and to find out the factors that cause fanaticism in the online game players Mobile Legends. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method by selecting members of the Casino Squad community as informants who are considered to have fanaticism. The research results show that online game players among members of the Casino Squad community have forms of fanaticism such as excessive playing time, excessive top ups for gacha skins and skipping school to play the Mobile Legends game. Then, the factors that cause members of the Casino Squad community to become fanatics of Mobile Legends include the game being easy to play, earning money and self-actualization

Strengthening Relationships Within Intensive Psychiatric Care: Staff Perceptions of an Attachment Training Intervention

ABSTRACTIntroductionIntensive psychiatric care units can be challenging environments in which to build strong staff‐patient relationships. Attachment theory may provide a useful model for strengthening relationships in this setting.AimThe aim of this study was to explore staff perceptions of the utility of attachment theory for understanding patient behaviour in the intensive psychiatric care setting.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 multi‐disciplinary staff members. Interviews focused on the staff member's experience of learning about attachment theory and applying this perspective to their work on the ward. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThe analysis led to the development of three themes: engaging the reflective self, new perspective on others and cohesive ward culture.ConclusionStaff reported that learning about attachment theory supported them to better understand patient distress and associated behaviours. Notably, staff also used attachment theory to reflect on both their own internal states and the internal states of their colleagues. These reflections were suggested to bolster staff wellbeing and improve the ward milieu.Implications for PracticeIntegrating attachment theory into team formulation, ward rounds and reflective practice groups could have a benefit for clinical practice, staff wellbeing and team cohesion in this setting.

Difficulties in emotion regulation and attachment styles among Kurdish individuals in Eastern Turkey with substances use disorders

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between attachment style and emotion dysregulation in Kurdish individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) in Eastern Turkey, a non-Western, Islamic society, in a descriptive cross-sectional design. This study was conducted with 216 individuals with SUDs who were treated at the SBU Van Training and Research Hospital Alcohol and Substance Addiction Treatment Center in Eastern Turkey between April 2023 and June 2023. Almost half of the participants (44.5%, n = 96) were between 18 and 30 years old and almost all were men (96.3%, n = 208). The most commonly used substances were heroin (46.3%, n = 100), marijuana (28.7%, n = 62) and synthetic cannabinoids (7.9%, n = 12). The results showed that higher levels of emotion dysregulation were associated with increased avoidant attachment and anxious attachment style. The study found that anxious and avoidant attachment styles were a significant predictor of emotion dysregulation. These findings suggest that attachment styles may play an important role in emotion dysregulation in Kurdish individuals with SUDs. Future research should investigate whether interventions targeting attachment-based interventions could be effective in reducing emotion dysregulation in Kurdish individuals with SUDs.