Attachment Perspective Research Articles

Trauma, place, and transformation

This commentary comprises three different responses to Counted and Zock’s article: “Place Spirituality: An Attachment Perspective.” The first response is from Esther Sternberg, MD, who gives a psychophysiological and neuroscience critique. The second is from Altaf Engineer, PhD, from the perspective of architecture and environmental psychology, and the last response is from Hester Oberman, PhD, who gives a psychology of religion rebuttal.

The role of family and personality traits in Internet gaming disorder: A mediation model combining cognitive and attachment perspectives.

Background and aimsGaming disorder was recently recognized as a mental health disorder by the World Health Organization and included in the International Classification of Diseases. Extensive research has been conducted with regard to psychosocial correlates and comorbidity, less so for the developmental mechanisms and the processes leading to the disorder. The association between family factors, personality traits, and gaming has been studied independently but not in combination. To fill this gap in knowledge, this study examined (a) the association between parental acceptance–rejection theory and Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and (b) the mediating and moderating effect of core self-evaluations (CSE), a personality construct, on the aforementioned variables.MethodsThe study was quantitative and involved young adults members of online gaming communities (N = 225).ResultsThe results showed that parental rejection is associated with the occurrence of IGD, only through the mediating effect of CSE. The moderation model was not confirmed.DiscussionFindings bridge early emotional deficits with CSE personality traits and IGD, based on two widely acknowledged theoretical frameworks. In addition, they highlight the importance of the father’s role in upbringing.ConclusionsThese frameworks combine cognitive and attachment perspectives and a process-oriented approach to the development and maintenance of IGD. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to (a) the mechanisms leading to the disorder and (b) providing an evidence base for therapeutic interventions for IGD to go beyond abstinence and include self-esteem enhancement and efficacy contingencies. Directions for future research are also provided in this study.

Perceptions of sacrifice, workplace friendship and career concerns as explanatory mechanisms of employees’ organisational commitment

Orientation: Employees’ psychological attachment to their organisation remains an important topic of inquiry for organisations concerned about improving their talent management practices for the purpose of retaining valuable human capital.Research purpose: The aim of the study was to explore the constructs of job-embedded sacrifice, workplace friendship and career concerns as potential underlying explanatory mechanisms of employees’ affective, continuance and normative commitment towards the organisation. Organisational attachment theory was utilised as theoretical framework to study the relations among the variables.Motivation for the study: The notion of job-embedded sacrifice, workplace friendship, career concerns as explanatory mechanisms of employees’ affective, continuance and normative commitment in the South African higher education context is under-researched, and especially from the perspective of organisational attachment theory.Research approach/design and method: A non-probability convenience sample (N = 200) of academic and administrative staff members employed in a South African higher educational institution participated in the study. A cross-sectional, quantitative research design approach was followed. Multiple regression analysis was performed.Main findings: Person–job sacrifice positively predicted affective, continuance and normative commitment. Perceptions of friendship opportunity accounted for the variance in affective commitment. High levels of work–life adjustment career concerns accounted for higher levels of affective and normative commitment.Practical/managerial implications: Addressing the underlying psychological needs espoused by employees’ perceptions of person–job sacrifice, friendship opportunity and work–life adjustment concerns are important to consider in human resource talent management practices. The constructs speak to employees’ sense of employment security which influences their organisational commitment.Contribution/value-add: The study extends organisational attachment theory by offering insight into the role of person–job sacrifice, friendship opportunity in the workplace and work–life adjustment concerns in explaining employees’ organisational commitment. The new insights inform human resource retention practices for academic and administrative staff members in the higher education environment.

Does maternal reflective functioning mediate associations between representations of caregiving with maternal sensitivity in a high-risk sample?

Although it is known that mothers with substance abuse disorders struggle to provide adequate parenting to their children, little is understood about the mechanisms behind this. This cross-sectional study uses an attachment perspective to examine whether reflective functioning mediates the relationship between mental representations of caregiving and maternal sensitivity, in an ethnically diverse sample of 142 substance-abusing mothers (M [SD] = 29.83 [5.79] years of age) and their toddlers (M [SD] = 24.04 [15.15] months of age). Data were baseline measures from two randomized controlled trials. The three variables of primary interest were positively correlated. As expected, there was a significant relationship between mental representations of caregiving and maternal sensitivity that was largely explained by reflective functioning. Confounding and alternate explanations were not supported by a secondary data analyses. The findings underscore the importance of reflective functioning in positive parenting within this high-risk population of mothers, and they provide support for the development of attachment-based interventions.

Momentary predictors of binge eating: An attachment perspective

IntroductionAccording to attachment theory, individuals who are preoccupied with the possibility of rejection are prone to emotion dysregulation, which research has found to be related to disordered eating. The current study examined naturalistic momentary relationships between binge eating, depressive symptoms, emotion dysregulation, and attachment anxiety. MethodParticipants were 55 undergraduate women who owned a mobile phone and who had binge eaten at least once during the past 28 days. All participants were screened to confirm the presence of binge eating and then completed trait measures of attachment anxiety. Participants then received seven text messages per day for 14 days. Texts contained links to state measures of depressive symptoms, state emotion dysregulation, and recent binge eating. ResultsMomentary depressive symptoms predicted subsequent binge eating. Aspects of emotion dysregulation (i.e., nonacceptance of emotional responses and difficulty modulating one's emotions) mediated the relationship between attachment anxiety and binge eating. DiscussionDepressed mood often triggers binge eating. Additionally, attachment anxiety seems to predict binge eating through emotion dysregulation. Interventions for binge eating should address both attachment anxiety and emotion dysregulation in order to maximize therapeutic benefit.

Brand management and internationalization: A case study in the sports equipment industry

Abstract Internationalization is a strategy increasingly used by companies. Firms in emerging markets are tardy regarding innovativeness and international orientation. Over the years, internationalization has proved to be a crucial strategy to increase sales and improve corporate performance in an increasingly globalized world. Global markets offer new business and innovation opportunities, and it is therefore likely that companies will shift their focus from domestic to international markets. The internationalization process has been intensively studied and can lead to the exploration of new markets, which often implies the creation of new brands. In this context, brand management is one of the aspects on which many researchers have dedicated attention. The study of the brand requires attention to several kinds of concepts, no less important (e.g., image, notoriety or identity). Recently, there have been new approaches and new contributions in this regard. Through an interdisciplinary perspective, the present study aims to analyse and to understand the process of internationalization and brand management in business contexts (i.e., sports contexts). Specifically, the study focuses on Berg Outdoor, a brand that has as core business articles for outdoor practices (i.e., textiles, footwear or equipment). In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with company directors (February 2018) in a qualitative perspective. This paper will attempt to present management development in a brand attachment perspective. Some limitations and the next steps of investigation will be discussed.

It can be beautiful or destructive: Street-involved youth's perceptions of their romantic relationships and resilience

IntroductionThis study examined romantic relationships among street-involved youth through the overlapping perspectives of resilience, attachment and social bonding. The main goal was to assess how youth understand their romantic attachment bonds as supporting or undermining resilience. While there are qualitative reports on how the social relationships of street-involved youth are linked to resilience, romantic relationships have yet to be differentiated with regard to resilience. This paper also builds on existing research by providing further information on the characteristics of their romantic relationships, and the impact of street life and risky behaviours within relationships. MethodsTwenty-one youth (11 men and 10 women) in shelters, in a Canadian metropolitan city, aged 16–24 years, participated in semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis of the data was conducted exploring how the youth understand their romantic attachments as well as their links in supporting or undermining resilience. ResultsResults indicated that connection, support, validation, and encouragement within a relationship were of value to the youth's resilience, in the form of addressing drug use, achieving goals, supporting self-worth, and promoting positive coping. The youth also reported many negative experiences within their romantic relationships, including dating violence and the stress of street-life, which they saw as undermining their resilience. A key finding was that the youth had considerable difficulty integrating the positive and negative aspects of their relationships. Overall the findings highlight the co-occurrence of positive and negative romantic experiences, and support the importance of developing healthy relationship programs for street-involved youth. Key words: street-involved; homeless; youth; romantic relationship; resilience; dating violence

Sexual abuse: a perversion of attachment?

This article provides a historical overview of sexual abuse theory (all in the mind?) within the development of psychoanalytic theory. It aims, from an attachment perspective, to increase awareness of the problem in psychotherapy and other institutions with a view to maximizing prevention and support for the survivors. The article challenges societal and institutional attitudes of secrecy, collusive silence, denial and lies, which perpetuate this relational crime.

Interpersonal theory dimensions facilitate posttraumatic growth among suicide-loss survivors: An attachment perspective

Many studies have highlighted the deleterious psychological impact of suicide on bereaved individuals. We examined the psychological processes facilitating posttraumatic growth (PTG) among 124 suicide-loss survivors, focusing on attachment styles, perceived burdensomeness, and thwarted belongingness. Securely attached individuals achieved higher PTG than insecurely attached individuals. Perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness both mediated and moderated the associations between attachment and PTG. Anxiously or avoidantly attached individuals who also had a high level of perceived burdensomeness were the least likely to achieve PTG. Thus, these individuals may derive particular benefit from attachment-based therapeutic interventions focusing on interpersonal relationships.

Ngā Tāpiritanga

While Western attachment theory has tended to focus on the interpersonal attachments between people, indigenous Māori attachment perspectives have always included connections and relationships to aspects outside of the interpersonal domain. Collective, cultural and tikanga-based extrapersonal relationships are significant in Te Ao Māori and include connection to whānau/hapū/iwi (extended family and community groups), whenua (land and the natural world), and wairua (interconnection and spirituality). Alongside vital interpersonal relationships, these extrapersonal connections are substantial to the development of an indigenous Māori self which is well and supported within a holistic framework. This article explores the extrapersonal connections outlined above, their importance to Hauora Māori and implications for the practice of psychotherapy in Aotearoa New Zealand.WhakarāpopotongaI te wā e warea ana te arotahi kaupapa piripono a te Uru ki te piringa whaiaro tangata ki te tangata, ko tā te Māori tirohanga piripono he whakauru i ngā here ngā whanaungatanga ki ngā āhuatanga i tua atu i te ao whaiaro. He take nunui te whānau kohinga ahurea o te Ao Māori whakakaohia ki tēnei te here ā-whānau, ā-hāpū, ā-iwi (whānau whānui me ngā rōpū hāpori), te whenua, te taiao me te wairua (ngā taura here, te waiuratanga). I tua atu o ngā here whaiaro he wāhanga tino nui tō ēnei kohinga ahurea ki te whanaketanga o te mana motuhake o te tangata whenua Māori e ora ana e tautokohia ana e te papa whānui nei. E wherawhera ana tēnei tuhinga i ngā here whakawaho kua whakaarahia i runga ake nei, te hira o ēnei ki te Hauora Māori me ngā whakahīrau mō ngā mahi hauora hinengaro i Aotearoa.

依恋视角下自传体记忆提取的差异

依恋视角下自传体记忆提取的差异

The experience of persistent pain and quality of life among women following treatment for breast cancer: An attachment perspective.

The aims of this study were to investigate associations between attachment and the presence of persistent pain in women following treatment for breast cancer and to investigate the relationship between attachment, pain, and quality of life (QOL) in women with persistent pain. Women (N=335) previously diagnosed with primary non-metastatic breast cancer completed an online survey with measures of attachment, pain, QOL, demographics, and medical history. Variables were compared between women with (N=128) and without (N=207) persistent pain. For those reporting pain, regression analyses were conducted to investigate relationships between attachment, pain, and QOL. Higher attachment anxiety, but not attachment avoidance, was related to the presence of persistent pain. Among women with persistent pain, associations between attachment anxiety and avoidance and greater pain intensity were lost when pain catastrophizing was considered in analysis. Significant associations between attachment and diminished QOL and perceived effectiveness of pain management were identified in multivariate analysis. These findings extend the available literature regarding associations between pain and attachment insecurity. In women with pain after breast cancer treatment, attachment anxiety and avoidance were associated with negative pain and QOL outcomes. Further attention regarding the use of attachment-informed approaches in supporting women following breast cancer treatment is indicated.

The Significance of Parenting and Parent-Child Relationships for Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents.

Adolescents in 21st century America are experiencing the emergence of their sexual and gender identities in a heteronormative society that is steadily adopting more progressive views and policies related to sexual orientation and gender. However, despite these sociocultural changes, parent-child relationships remain as one of the strongest predictors of LGBT adolescent adjustment. This article reviews the extant literature on this topic from family systems and attachment perspectives while highlighting the significance of family experiences within a minority stress framework. The presentation is oriented around the coming out process, including factors influencing this experience and how postdisclosure parenting affects the health and well-being of LGBT adolescents. We end by discussing future directions and the challenges inherent to this research.

Acceptance of Disability and Help-seeking Behaviors: From an Attachment Perspective

Recent studies on people with disabilities (PWDs) mainly focused on company practices seeking to accommodate them. Our understanding of how the psychology behind PWDs affects their integration into the workplace is still limited. This insufficient understanding prevents managers from fully revealing the work potentials of PWDs. Based on the theory of acceptance of loss from disability and adult attachment, this paper investigates the relationship between PWDs' acceptance of disability and help-seeking behaviors. Help-seeking behavior is an essential element of any work activity. However, the long-recognized stigma of disability impedes help-seeking by PWDs at their workplaces. We investigate a new antecedent of help-seeking behavior on the part of PWDs. It is generally recognized that help-seeking behaviors are affected by demographic and contextual variables. We argue that attitudinal factors such as acceptance of disability, attachment anxiety, and attachment avoidance are also important in determining help-seeking. The results show that acceptance of disability leads to a more autonomous help-seeking behavior, which, in turn, enhances the performance of employees with disabilities.

Evolutionary of online social networks driven by pareto wealth distribution and bidirectional preferential attachment

Understanding of the evolutionary mechanism of online social networks is greatly significant for the development of network science, but up to now most present researches on this topic have not enough insight. In this study, firstly we empirically showed the essential evolution characteristics of Renren online social network. The evolution mechanism of online social networks is explained by the perspective of Pareto wealth distribution and bidirectional preferential attachment. Then a novel model is proposed to reproduce the evolution characteristics which are consistent with the ones of Renren online social network, and the evolutionary analytical solution to the proposed model was presented. The results suggest that both Pareto wealth distribution and bidirectional preferential attachment play an important role in the evolution process of online social networks and can help us to understand the evolutionary origin of online social networks. The model has significant implications for dynamic simulation researches of social networks, especially in information diffusion through online communities and infection spreading in real societies.

The unsafe haven: Eating disorders as attachment relationships.

Some patients with eating disorders (EDs) seem to experience their illness as an entity, a symbolic other to whom they relate, and which may influence both symptom levels and self-image. Extending previous research, this study investigated whether the patient-ED relationship has attachment qualities. Structural Analysis of Social Behaviour was used to operationalize the patient-ED relationship, and the Attachment Style Questionnaire was used to measure attachment. We examined ED patients' (N=148) relationship with their ED, attachment behaviour, symptoms, and self-image. Attachment dimensions of Confidence, Anxious/ambivalence, and Avoidance were found to be significantly correlated with aspects of the patient-ED relationship. Introjection (i.e., whether ED actions were incorporated into patients' self-image) was investigated by examining the match between self-image profiles and the actions of patients' EDs. A double mediation model was tested in which ED control/emancipation and patients' Self-blame mediated the effect of attachment security on ED symptoms. Attachment insecurity was associated with greater ED control and patient submission. In 28.5% of patients, there was a high degree of correlation between self-image and ED action profile. Data supported the mediation model. Attachment processes appear to be associated with the manner in which ED patients relate to their disorder, at least in some cases. Attempts to maintain psychological proximity to the ED as an introjected attachment figure may help to explain treatment resistance and ambivalence about change. This perspective may be useful in treatment. Attachment behaviours are associated with the patient-ED relationship, in which attachment insecurity is correlated with greater eating disorder control and patient submission. Some patients seem to incorporate the actions of the ED in their self-image, suggesting the presence of introjection. The patient-ED relationship may help explain patients' anxiety and ambivalence about change, seen from an attachment perspective. In treatment, it may be important to explore alternative safe havens and secure bases to the ED, such as interpersonal relationships and activities.

Coping, attachment style and resilience: the mediating role of alexithymia

Literature show that the presence of an insecure attachment is at the root of a difficulty in affect regulation and of the implementation of dysfunctional coping and resilience strategies. Adult attachment perspective posits that individuals with secure attachment are engaged in adaptive coping strategies, because their internal working models support a self-efficacy in achieving goals through their behavior. The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationships between alexithymia, adult attachment styles, coping and resilience strategies, in a group of 488 subjects (M = 248; F = 240) with ages ranging from 18 to 55 years (M = 34.9, SD = 12.52). The following instruments were used: the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20); the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE); the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ); and the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA). The data show that the secure adult attachment is positively associated with the ability to modulate affects, the correct use of coping strategies is correlated with resilience. The study underlines that the type of attachment styles (secure or insecure) and the ability to modulate feelings are closely associated.

Residents’ Perceptions of Impending Forced Relocation in Urban China

Residents’ Perceptions of Impending Forced Relocation in Urban China

Феномен хикикомори: обзор исследований

Objective. Japan’s hikikomori phenomenon (acute and/or severe social withdrawal behavior among youth) is considered as growing internationalsocio-psychological problem, more youth social withdrawal cases in different countries have been discovered recently. The purpose of this paper is to consolidate the results of studies conducted in Japan and other countries to provide a better understanding of the phenomenon of hikikomori. Method. This review examined the current available scientific information on youth social withdrawal in the academic databases: Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and PubMed. Results. As a result of our analysis of the studies we synthesized the information into the following categories: (1) definitions of hikikomori, (2) hikikomori and mental disorder, (3) developmental theories, (4) factors associated with youth social withdrawal and (5) interventions for socially withdrawn youths. Accordingly, there are diverse and controversial definitions for youth social withdrawal. Studies of youth social withdrawal are based on models that lead to quite different conclusions. Researchers with an attachment perspective view youth social withdrawal as a negative phenomenon, whereas those who adopt Erikson’s developmental theory view it more positively as a process of seeking self-knowledge. Different interventions for socially withdrawn youths have been developed, mainly in Japan, but evidence-based practice is almost non-existent. Conclusion. The analysis demonstrated the heterogeneity of the phenomenon of hikikomori, different subgroups were identified. Researchers proposed a theoretical framework that views youth social withdrawal as resulting of interaction between psychological, family, sociocultural, behavioral and biological factors. Future validation of the framework will help drive forward advances in theory and interventions for youth social withdrawal as an emerging issue in developed countries.

Development of Appetite Self‐Regulation: Integrating Perspectives From Attachment and Family Systems Theory

AbstractAppetite self‐regulation develops rapidly during the first 2 years of life, with implications for weight‐related health and well‐being over the life span. Attachment theory suggests that interpersonal interactions between caregivers and children are part of the biobehavioral system designed to promote the development of self‐regulation. However, parent–child dyads are embedded within the family system, which also influences individual differences in appetite self‐regulation. In this review, we synthesize research on appetite self‐regulation from the perspectives of attachment and family systems theories to identify strengths and limits in how we understand the development of appetite self‐regulation. We propose an integrative theoretical framework in which familial and dyadic factors influence appetite self‐regulation directly and indirectly via modifications to the quality of parent–child interactions during infancy and early childhood. Finally, we identify avenues for research to test pathways of risk, resilience, and well‐being toward optimal appetite self‐regulation and weight outcomes.