Fearful Attachment Research Articles

Spiraling down: Fearful attachment style moderates the link between parental burnout and violence

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the current preregistered cross‐sectional study was to examine whether in parents with high anxious (characterized with a negative model of self), dismissing (characterized with a negative model of others), and fearful attachment styles (characterized with a negative model of self and of others), the link between parental burnout and violence toward the offspring is stronger.BackgroundPast research has shown that parental burnout exacerbates violence toward the offspring, but the correlation is not perfect (r = .49), which suggests that not all parents in burnout out are violent, and that moderators might therefore be at play.MethodParticipants (N = 794) answered an online questionnaires one time, through Prolific. Parental burnout, violence, and attachment styles were measured through the Parental Burnout Assessment, the Parental Violence Scale, and the Relationship Questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses were performed to test the moderating role of anxious, dismissing, and fearful attachment styles.ResultsParental burnout and all attachment styles are significantly related to violence. However, only fearful attachment style significantly potentiated the relation between parental burnout and violence.ConclusionIn parents with high fearful attachment style, the link between parental burnout and violence toward the offspring is stronger. Results are discussed in light of the role of internal models of self and others.ImplicationsAnxious, dismissing, and fearful attachment styles should systematically be investigated when dealing with burnt out parents, as some may be associated with a higher risk of violence toward the offspring.

Personality Traits, Attachment Styles, and Financial Attitudes

The present study investigated the relationship between personality traits, attachment styles, and financial attitudes. Data were collected from 299 adults using an Information Form, Five Factor Personality Scale, Relationship Scales Questionnaire, and Financial Attitude Scale in Istanbul, Türkiye. Findings of the structural equation modeling showed that fearful attachment and dismissive attachment were positively associated with neuroticism, while secure attachment was positively associated with the remaining personality traits. Extraversion and agreeableness had mediating effects in the relationship between secure attachment and financial attitude. Therefore, professionals need to consider attachment style and personality traits if the aim is to improve financial behaviors.

Investigating the Relationship between Attachment and Marital Satisfaction in Couples Marital Experiences

This study aimed to examine the relationship between attachment and marital satisfaction in couples' marital experiences. The study included 601 married individuals selected by criterion sampling method, one of the purposive sampling methods, and fifteen married couples were interviewed separately. This research was designed using Creswell's simultaneous triangulation design, one of the mixed method designs. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Relationship Scales Questionnaire, Marital Life Scale, and Semi-structured Interview Form prepared by the researchers. The findings of the study revealed that the participants' gender, educational status, type of marriage, fearful attachment, and preoccupied attachment styles did not predict marital satisfaction. In contrast, secure attachment styles positively predicted marital satisfaction, whereas dismissing attachment styles negatively predicted marital satisfaction. In the study, it was concluded that the type of marriage has no effect on marital continuity and satisfaction and that the character traits of the spouses and the way they behave towards each other, the presence of understanding, love, interest, happiness, and peace between the spouses and having children are more determinant. The findings obtained from the study were discussed in line with the relevant literature, and suggestions were made for research and practice.

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.

Comparing the characteristics of firesetting and non-firesetting adults in a New Zealand un-apprehended community sample

This study examines the prevalence of deliberate firesetting in an un-apprehended New Zealand sample and factors that differentiate firesetting and non-firesetting individuals. An anonymous online survey assessing demographic and background characteristics, history of firesetting and psychological characteristics was advertised on Facebook community groups and pinboards across New Zealand. A total of 626 adults completed the survey. One-hundred and three participants (16.45%) self-reported having deliberately set at least one fire over the age of 14 years. When controlling for all other variables in a logistic regression model, having a high-school qualification as the highest level of educational attainment (odds ratio, OR = 2.24), history of a mental health diagnosis (OR = 1.91), fearful attachment style (OR = 1.16) and fire interest (OR = 1.05) showed the strongest unique association with un-apprehended firesetting. Further research is needed to examine the full range of behavioural and psychological characteristics associated with un-apprehended firesetting.

Can Glamping be a Vacation to Help Dink Couples Relax and Maintain Close Relationships?

Glamping brings a glamorous tourism experience providing potential opportunities to escape from daily routines and maintain relationships during difficult/special times, such as the pandemic with travel restrictions or postpandemic travel concerns. It is innovative to explore the unique group of DINK (dual income, no kids) couples using glamping as context. This study examines the variations in closeness among DINK couples based on four individual attachment styles (i.e., secure, anxious, dismissive, fearful), and explores the relationships between closeness and subjective well-being. A pilot test with 118 valid responses was adopted to ensure the validity of items and feasibility of the study design. Utilizing attachment theory with four attachment styles, the main study analyzed 940 valid responses using confirmatory factory analysis, ANOVA, and multigroup path analysis. This study highlights that people with a secure attachment style have a significantly 1) higher level of closeness with their partner and 2) stronger relationship between closeness and subjective well-being compared to the other three attachment styles (i.e., anxious, dismissive, and fearful). The results suggest that glamping providers could improve glamping environments to be peaceful and comfortable to attract potential glampers who have higher anxiety (i.e., anxious and fearful attachment styles). Further, the results indicate that glamping could serve as a setting for couples??? therapy and to celebrate special events to enhance close relationships. These promoting/marketing strategies can benefit small glamping businesses develop their products and potentially draw different types of visitors.

What Has Love Got to Do with Cyber Dating Abuse: Indirect Effect of Attachment Style on Depressive Symptoms

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to propose a model to examine the indirect effects of cyber dating abuse on the relationship between attachment style (preoccupied and fearful attachment) and depressive symptoms. Data were collected from 338 Portuguese young adults living in Lisbon who reported to have been in an intimate relationship in the last six months. The sample was predominantly female (77.8%). Hayes’ PROCESS macro in SPSS was used to test the hypothesized model. The results suggest that cyber dating abuse dimensions of direct aggression and controlling for victimization and perpetration had a significant indirect effect on the relationship between the aforementioned variables. Considering the current literature on cyber dating abuse, this study can be useful to provide a better understanding of this opaque phenomenon while leading to reflection on intervention programs to assist victims as well as implement policies to help prevent cyber dating abuse.

Attachment Style, Social Support Network, and Lifetime Suicide Ideation and Suicide Attempts Among New Soldiers in the U.S. Army

Objective Attachment style and social support networks (SSN) are associated with suicide ideation (SI) and suicide attempt (SA). How these two factors interact is important to understanding the mechanisms of risk for suicidal behaviors and identifying interventions. Method Using the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers New Soldier Study (N = 38,507 soldiers), we examined how three attachment styles (preoccupied, fearful, and secure) and SSN (smaller vs larger) were associated with lifetime SI, SA, and SA among soldiers with SI. The interaction of each attachment style by SSN was examined. Results All three attachment styles were associated with SI and SA in the total sample (for SA: preoccupied OR = 2.82, fearful OR = 2.84, and secure OR = 0.76). Preoccupied and fearful attachment were associated with SA among suicide ideators. Smaller SSN was associated with a higher risk for all three outcomes (range of ORs = 1.23–1.52). The association of SSN with SI and with SA among suicide ideators was significantly modified by the presence or absence of preoccupied attachment style. Among soldiers without preoccupied attachment, larger SSN was associated with lower risk of SI. Among suicide ideators with preoccupied attachment, a larger SSN was associated with lower risk of SA. Conclusion This study highlights the need for increased understanding of the role of attachment style and social networks in suicide risk, in particular preoccupied attachment among soldiers with SI. A critical next step is to explore these relationships prospectively to guide intervention development.

Examining the impact of emotional intelligence and attachment style on loneliness Alisha Azad Maldar * and Monalisa Nayak

Background: Loneliness is a prevalent psychological phenomenon with significant implications for mental health and well-being. Attachment theory posits that early attachment experiences shape individuals' interpersonal relationships and emotional experiences throughout life, potentially influencing susceptibility to loneliness. However, the relationship between attachment styles and loneliness remains underexplored, particularly in the context of diverse populations. Additionally, emotional quotient (EQ), which encompasses the ability to perceive, understand, regulate, and utilize emotions effectively, may play a crucial role in mitigating loneliness by facilitating adaptive coping strategies and fostering meaningful social connections. Methods: This quantitative study examined the relationship between attachment styles and loneliness among 103 participants. Attachment styles were assessed using Revised Adult Attachment Scale, emotional quotient using Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale, while loneliness was measured using UCLA Loneliness Scale. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to assess differences in loneliness scores across attachment styles, followed by post-hoc comparisons to elucidate specific patterns. Pearson’s correlation was used to find the correlation between emotional quotient and loneliness. Results: The results revealed a significant difference in loneliness scores across attachment styles (F =8.644, p < 0.001). Post-hoc comparisons indicated that individuals with secure attachment styles reported significantly lower levels of loneliness compared to those with dismissive, preoccupied, and fearful attachment styles. Specifically, individuals with secure attachment styles reported a mean loneliness score of 17 (SD = 16), while those with dismissive attachment styles reported the highest mean loneliness score of 35 (SD = 12). There is a statistically significant correlation between Loneliness and Emotional Quotient with p value 0.001 at 5% level of significance. The r value is -0.486 which means that there is negative moderate correlation. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of considering attachment styles and emotional quotient in understanding individuals' experiences of loneliness. Individuals with secure attachment styles appear to be less vulnerable to loneliness, while those with insecure attachment styles are more likely to experience higher levels of loneliness. There is negative moderate correlation between emotional quotient and loneliness, i.e., as the emotional quotient increases, loneliness decreases. Future research may explore the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted interventions aimed at promoting secure attachment and improving emotional quotient to reduce loneliness among vulnerable populations.

Attachment Styles and Loneliness as Predictors of Phubbing amongst University Students

Due to the increase in the use of technology, more loneliness and phubbing have been observed in individuals. In this concept, the relationship between attachment styles, loneliness, and phubbing was examined in this study. The research data was collected from 288 students, 224 of whom were women (77.8%) and 64 of whom were men (22.2%). The data was collected using the Relationship Scales Questionnaire, the UCLA Loneliness Scale Short Form (ULS-8), and the General Phubbing Scale. The data was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and regression methods in accordance with the aim of the research. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed that there is a relationship a positive and significant relationship between phubbing and loneliness, fearful attachment, dismissive-avoidant attachment, and preoccupied attachment. However, the relationship between phubbing and secure attachment was found to be insignificant. According to the regression analysis, phubbing was predicted by loneliness, fearful attachment, and preoccupied attachment, but not by secure attachment and dismissive- avoidant attachment styles.

Emotion regulation unveiled through the categorical lens of attachment

BackgroundEmotion regulation, the process by which individuals manage and modify their emotional experiences, expressions, and responses to adaptively navigate and cope with various situations, plays a crucial role in daily life. Our study investigates the variations in emotion regulation strategies among individuals with different attachment styles (AS). Specifically, we examine how individuals with secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful attachment styles effectively utilize cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression to regulate their emotions.MethodsA total of n = 98 adults were instructed to attend, reappraise, or suppress their emotions while viewing negative and neutral images from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) in an experimental emotion regulation task. After completing the task, participants rated the valence and arousal elicited by the images. Attachment styles were measured using the ECR-12 questionnaire and then categorized into four AS.ResultsOur study revealed that individuals with secure AS (n = 39) effectively reduced displeasure through cognitive reappraisal but experienced levels of displeasure with expressive suppression. Anxious AS (n = 16) individuals successfully reduced displeasure using cognitive reappraisal but struggled to regulate arousal and effectively use expressive suppression. Avoidant AS (n = 24) individuals could reduce displeasure with both strategies but experienced high arousal during suppression attempts. Fearful AS (n = 19) individuals effectively regulated both displeasure and arousal using either strategy. However, Secure AS individuals showed superior reappraisal efficacy, significantly reducing arousal levels compared to the Fearful AS group. Both Secure and Avoidant AS groups experienced higher valence during reappraisal relative to a baseline, indicating a decrease in displeasure.ConclusionsIndividuals with different AS exhibit variations in the effectiveness of their use of emotion regulation strategies. Our findings reinforce the significance of AS in shaping emotion regulation processes and emphasize the need for tailored approaches to support individuals with different attachment orientations.

Exploring Independent and Cumulative Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on PTSD and CPTSD a Study in Ugandan Adolescents.

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is related to higher morbidity and mortality among adolescents. The present study analyzed the independent and cumulative effects of ACE exposure on the likelihood of PTSD and a CPSTD diagnosis in Ugandan adolescents. A sample of 401 schoolchildren participated in the study. The primary aim was to collect information on ACEs, PTSD, CPTSD, and attachment styles among adolescents living in different countries. It was found that exposure to 2-3 ACEs and exposure to 4-5 ACEs were significantly associated with PTSD diagnosis, while exposure to sexual abuse, bullying, threats of violence, and near-drowning were significantly related to CPTSD diagnosis. Fearful attachment style was significantly associated with PTSD diagnosis. The results propose that biological, psychological, and social issues interact and contribute to the differential prevalence of ACE, attachment styles, and PTSD/CPTSD. This study underscores the importance of addressing childhood-averse and traumatic experiences as a public health priority in Uganda.

Attachment Styles, Vulnerable Narcissism, Emotion Dysregulation and Perceived Social Support: A Mediation Model

Attachment styles have been shown to significantly influence individuals’ social and emotional functioning. Furthermore, vulnerable narcissism and emotion dysregulation are both relevant factors to consider in understanding individuals’ social interactions and support networks. However, the mechanisms underlying such relationships are not fully understood yet. The objective of this research was to assess whether vulnerable narcissism and emotion dysregulation sequentially mediate the connection between different attachment styles and perceived social support. Self-report questionnaires were administered to a sample of 1260 emerging adults (50% women) aged 18–25. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were conducted. Preliminary analyses indicated significant effects of gender on some study variables, thus gender was controlled in the mediation analyses. The findings indicated that there was no mediation for secure attachment, full mediation for dismissing and preoccupied attachment, and partial mediation for fearful attachment. The results suggest that addressing vulnerable narcissism and emotion dysregulation may be crucial in promoting individuals’ perceived social support, particularly for those with insecure attachment styles. Furthermore, the findings emphasize the need for personalized approaches, as interventions may need to be tailored to individuals’ unique attachment styles.

Perfectionism, Attachment Styles and Perceived Social Support in a Single Child

The purpose of the present study is to understand the relationship between perfectionism, attachment styles and perceived social support in a single child. The sample included 100 individuals, between the age of 18-30, Indian citizens, who fulfill the criteria of being an only or a single child. The sample was selected using Non-Probability sampling techniques like convenient, purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (mean) and Pearson’s correlation analysis. The findings from this study suggest that there is an association between perfectionism, attachment styles and perceived social support. This association or correlation is such that perfectionism is negatively correlated with secure attachment style and positively correlated with all the three insecure attachment styles in an individual. Perceived social support is positively correlated with secure and dismissive attachment style whereas negatively correlated with fearful and preoccupied attachment style. Perfectionism and perceived social support are negatively correlated. Furthermore, the single child sample of the present study is found to have high perceived social support, a dominant fearful attachment style (although secure and preoccupied also have very close and similar values) and to not have high perfectionistic tendencies.

Fearful Attachment and Suicide Probability: The Mediating Role of Psychological Symptoms on Medical School Students

The mediating role of psychological symptoms in the relationship between fearful attachment and suicide probability was examined. The data were obtained from 192 medical school students. Adult Attachment Styles Scale, Suicide Probability Scale, and Symptom Check List 90R were used to collect the data. Correlation analysis was utilized to examine the relationships between variables, and the mediating role was determined using the bootstrapping method. Findings showed significant relationships between fearful attachment, psychological symptoms, and suicide probability. Moreover, the fearful attachment was associated with increased psychological symptoms and suicide probability. Psychological symptoms were associated with increased suicide probability. Furthermore, psychological symptoms mediated the relationship between fearful attachment and suicide probability. Psychological symptoms are critical in the relationship between fearful attachment and suicide probability. The current research adds to our knowledge of suicide probability by investigating fearful attachment and psychological symptoms. Besides, it underlies and contributes to the antecedents of suicide probability.

Insecure Minds through the Looking Glass: The Mediating Role of Mentalization in the Relationships between Adult Attachment Styles and Problematic Social Media Use.

Research shows that insecure attachment styles and failures in mentalizing are associated with increased problematic social media use (PSMU). This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of failures in mentalizing in the relationships between attachment styles and PSMU within a large sample of individuals from the community. The study involved the participation of 3600 adult volunteers (2312 females, 64.2%) aged between 18 and 60 years old (M = 29.92; SD = 10.68). Participants completed measures to assess socio-demographics, adult attachment styles, mentalization, and PSMU. Findings showed that secure and dismissing attachment styles predicted reduced levels of PSMU, and that preoccupied and fearful attachment styles predicted increased levels of PSMU. The relationships between adult attachment styles and PSMU were mediated by failures in mentalizing. Thus, individuals with preoccupied and fearful attachment styles may excessively resort to social media as a means of coping with unprocessed mental states. Clinical interventions that focus on improving mentalizing abilities and promoting the adoption of appropriate self-regulation strategies might reduce maladaptive engagement in social media.

Family Atmosphere and Suicidal Ideation in College Students: The Chain Mediation Effect of Attachment and Cognitive Flexibility

Numerous studies have extensively examined the risk factors associated with suicidal ideation (SI). Nevertheless, there has been a dearth of research analyzing the potential positive factors, such as attachment and cognitive flexibility, that might contribute to a reduction in SI and facilitate more effective interventions. This study aimed to investigate the chain-mediating effects of attachment and cognitive flexibility on the family atmosphere and SI. Data were collected from 856 (range = 18–28 years old, 240 males) emerging adults who completed the Family Atmosphere Scale, the Relationship Questionnaire, the Cognitive Flexibility Scale, and the Self-rated Ideation of Suicide Scale. The findings revealed that the family atmosphere not only exerted a direct influence on SI but also operated through a chain-mediation mechanism involving fearful attachment and cognitive control flexibility. This study concludes that fearful attachment and cognitive control flexibility may mediate the impact of a negative family atmosphere on SI.

The interplay of attachment styles and marital infidelity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesMarital infidelity is a highly distressing experience for those involved. Understanding the psychological factors related to infidelity can help develop targeted interventions. The primary aim of this study was to assess the association between attachment styles and marital infidelity. MethodsSeventeen studies were included, sourced from electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo, with no time limitations, up to April 2023. The search employed terms like “attachment AND marital infidelity.” Study quality was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool from RevMan version 5.3. ResultsThe meta-analysis involved a total of 13,666 participants, ranging from 208 to 4047 individuals. Findings showed that higher levels of anxiety and avoidance in attachment were significantly associated with increased marital infidelity (r = 0.18, 95 % CI = 0.14–0.22, p < 0.0001). Conversely, weaker attachment insecurity was linked to reduced rates of marital infidelity. Additionally, both dismissive and fearful attachment styles correlated with marital infidelity, with respective weighted effect sizes of r = 0.07, p < 0.001 (95 % CI = 0.04–0.10) and r = 0.19, p < 0.001 (95 % CI = 0.10–0.29). No association was found between preoccupied attachment and infidelity. ConclusionIndividuals with insecure attachment styles, specifically those with high levels of anxiety or avoidance, are more likely to engage in marital infidelity. Attachment styles should be a focus in couples therapy, especially for treatment related to infidelity. Assessing and addressing these underlying attachment issues can better guide therapists in their work with couples facing infidelity.

Exploring an Unrecognized Grief: A Quantitative Study of Older American Parents Whose Only Child Has Died

In the United States, older parents who have experienced the death of their only child constitute an extremely understudied group. Based on a conceptual framework developed from Worden’s “mediators of mourning,” this cross-sectional study hypothesized that older bereaved parents who experience severe grief symptoms would differ from those with less severe grief on age, time since death, attachment style, coping strategy, social support, and spirituality. It further aimed to investigate the association between the above factors and aggravated or alleviated grief symptoms. A sample of 183 bereaved adults over age 50 was recruited and an online survey was utilized to collect data. A 47.54% prevalence rate of Prolonged Grief Disorder was found in the sample. Participants who experienced more severe grief showed significant differences in the aforementioned study variables, compared to those who experienced less severe grief. Results of the hierarchical multiple regression model indicated that the higher severity of grief symptoms was related to utilizing more avoidant coping strategies and having a fearful attachment style. Less severe grief was associated with increased time since death, a greater perception of social support from friends, and more daily spiritual experiences. As the U.S. population ages and more families have only one child, it is imperative that academic and helping professionals recognize older bereaved parents’ unique vulnerability and develop effective intervention strategies. This study reinforces the call for increased social awareness and acceptance of prolonged grief and policy changes to address the needs of older bereaved parents.

Being more satisfied with romantic relationship status is associated with increased mental wellbeing in people with experience of psychosis.

Romantic relationships represent one of the most salient sources of social support. In general population studies, they are associated with both physical and psychological benefits. Research suggests that for people with psychosis, romantic relationships may also have a positive impact on a range of outcomes, but the reasons for these associations are still unclear. This study aims to investigate whether satisfaction with romantic relationships status is associated with better wellbeing outcomes in people with experience of psychosis and explore three possible psychological mediators of this relationship. Participants who had previously sought support for psychosis (n = 190) completed an online survey including measures of relationship status satisfaction (the Satisfaction with Relationship Scale) as well as measures of psychotic symptoms (the CAPE-42), general well-being (Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale) and several psychological variables relevant to the pathway between romantic relationships and well-being outcomes, namely loneliness, internalised stigma, self-esteem and attachment. Fearful attachment and partner criticism were negatively associated with relationship status satisfaction. Having a partner was positively associated with relationship status satisfaction. Higher levels of relationship status satisfaction were associated with lower psychotic symptoms and higher mental wellbeing. This relationship was mediated by loneliness, internalised stigma, and self-esteem. Mental health services should be mindful of the associations between romantic relationship satisfaction and wellbeing. Service users with a fearful attachment style may particularly benefit from support in this area.