Attachment Theory Research Articles

Brand personality and purchase intention: The dual-mediating effects of brand attachment and nostalgia proneness

We examined the roles of brand attachment and nostalgia proneness in the relationship between the brand personality and purchase intention. Participants were 352 Chinese consumers (during the collection of the questionnaires, age ranges were set, but specific age numbers were not obtained; thus no calculation of standard deviation and mean was made in this study, as age itself has no impact on the research results). Participants completed measures of brand personality, brand attachment, nostalgia proneness, and purchase intention. Following path analysis and bootstrapping techniques, we found a significant positive correlation between purchase intention and brand personality. Moreover, brand attachment and nostalgia proneness functioned as dual mediators in this relationship. These results corroborate the theory that enhancing brand personality strengthens consumers’ emotional attachment and evokes nostalgia, thereby increasing brand purchase intention.

Carrying Ostracism Overnight: The Cognitive Mechanism Underlying the Effect of Daily Workplace Ostracism on Next‐Day Work Engagement

ABSTRACTIntegrating cognitive appraisal theory of stress and attachment theory, the current study explored the influence of daily workplace ostracism on employee short‐term work engagement and examined the mediating role of negative work reflection and the moderating effects of employee attachment styles (i.e., attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety). To test the theoretical model, we employed an experience sampling method to collect daily diary data over 10 consecutive workdays, resulting in a final sample of 834 observations drawn from 133 participants. Results of multilevel path analysis indicated that daily workplace ostracism was negatively related to employee next‐day work engagement through negative work reflection at night. In addition, we found that employee attachment avoidance not only moderated the within‐person relationship between daily workplace ostracism and negative work reflection at night but also alleviated the indirect effect of daily workplace ostracism on next‐day work engagement via negative work reflection at night. Taken together, our study contributed by unfolding the dynamic cognitive appraisal process of workplace ostracism and identifying the significant role of attachment avoidance in shaping employees' cognitive reactions to daily workplace ostracism.

Does 60‐ to 72‐Month‐Old Children's Attachment Predict Their Resilience?

ABSTRACTIn this study, the attachment and resilience levels of 60‐ to 72‐month‐old Turkish girls and boys were examined in terms of certain demographic characteristics, and the predictive role of attachment on resilience was investigated while controlling for these characteristics. The study was structured as a descriptive study within the scope of quantitative research methods of the survey model. Participants consisted of 361 children and 73 teachers. We collected the data for the study administering the Incomplete Stories with Doll Family Scale to each child for approximately 20 min by the researcher and having teachers complete the Preschool Period Resilience Scale. Independent samples t‐tests, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple regression analysis were applied. In the study, the least observed attachment style in children was negative, followed by secure, with avoidance the most prevalent. While the child's gender, parental education level and socio‐economic status explained 14% of resilience, it was determined that the attachment variable explained 57.9% of the variance in resilience when common independent variables were controlled. The results of the study highlight the significance of the impact of attachment styles on the resilience of young children.

Love is a Losing Game: Aggression as a Function of Attachment and Gender Among Cape Verdean Young Adults

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the association between inhibition of exploration and individuality with both mother and father figure, ambivalent attachment style, and aggression dimensions (anger, hostility, physical, and verbal aggression) among Cape Verdean young adults in a romantic relationship. Moreover, the study proposed aggression dimensions as a mediator between the relationship of the aforementioned variables. The study followed a cross-sectional design performed between May and December 2023 among 123 Cape Verdean young adults aged 18 to 35 who reported to have been in an intimate relationship in the last 6 months. Hayes’ PROCESS macro for mediation analysis in SPSS was used to test the hypothesized model. The results suggested that anger and hostility had a significant relationship with inhibition of exploration and individuality, with the mother figure and ambivalent attachment style. Women manifested higher levels of anger and hostility, as well as ambivalent attachment in comparison to men. Additionally, hostility played a significant mediator role between the relationship of the aforementioned variables. The present study adds to the literature by addressing differences in genders’ manifestation of aggressive behaviors in romantic relationships and provides a critical perspective of existing literature with recommendations and limitations of the field.

Male infertile couples: an actor-partner interdependence model of attachment styles and fertility pressure

BackgroundCouples undergoing artificial insemination by donor semen(AID) represent a unique group of infertility patients, the relationship between fertility pressure and attachment styles remains unclear. To investigate the fertility pressure and attachment dimensions in artificial insemination by donor semen(AID) couples, and develop an Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) for patient care.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional study. From June to September 2021, couples who were about to receive AID treatment in our hospital were assessed using the Fertility Problem Inventory, and the Experiences in Close Relationships(ECR). Dyadic analysis applying the APIM was used.ResultsA total of 448 valid questionnaires were recovered, the effective response rate was 94.9%. The average score of men’s fertility pressure was higher than that of women’s(P = 0.021). The score of male attachment anxiety was higher than that of females(P = 0.038). Attachment avoidance(β = 0.46) and attachment anxiety(β = 0.33) in wives significantly impacted their fertility pressure. Attachment avoidance(β = 0.17) and attachment anxiety(β = 0.52) in husbands significantly impacted their fertility pressure. The attachment avoidance of wives’ had a significant impact on the husbands’ fertility pressure(β = 0.11).ConclusionOverall, the study revealed that in the couples who use donor sperm to expect pregnancy, the male has higher fertility pressure. Insecure attachment can cause more severe fertility pressure, fertility pressure is also affected by one’s partner.

Beyond Binary: Exploring the Dynamics of Bi-Curiosity Propulsion and Persistence Among Young Women

Sexual identity fails to adhere to the dichotomous models, transcending to a more fluid quality than normative compulsory heterosexuality. The present study investigates the experience of bi-curiosity, focusing on its initiation among young women residing in urban India. Bi-curiosity, a sexual orientation questioning marked by exploratory experiences, is a possible but not a necessary precursor to bisexuality. This qualitative study explores on the psychological and social factors contributing to a bi-curious orientation. It focuses on the subjective processes of development and maintenance of sexual identity questioning. Three organizing themes emerged from the Reflective Thematic Analysis: (a.) Affective Indicators, (b.) Social Experiences, and (c.) Intimacy in friendships. While sexual identity questioning was propelled by more psychological factors, like physical attraction, fantasy, experienced jealousy toward men, and comfort with the same sex, social and environmental factors contribute significantly. Individual experiences with patriarchy, social attitudes toward same-sex relationships, and their representation on media platforms often reinforce the process. Another important contributor was women’s close friendships with the same sex, which are sites for physical closeness, emotional intimacy, and personal growth, and share these characteristics with romantic relationships. These factors emerged as important reinforcers to the development and maintenance of sexual identity questioning.

Gambaran Adiksi, Pola Asuh, dan Attachment Style pada Mantan Pecandu Sabu-Sabu di Kota X

The purpose of this study is to explore and understand the experiences of former methamphetamine addicts in rehabilitation centers. The method used method used is qualitative with a case study approach. Subject A who is 28 years old and is undergoing the rehabilitation process in one of the rehabilitation houses in X City participated as a subject. Data collection over five weeks involved interviews and observations. Data analysis involved data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing, with validity checks using triangulation. Interviews revealed psychological dynamics, avoidant attachment style, and permissive-indulgent parenting. Subject shared his journey of addiction to methamphetamine, including emotional changes, antisocial behavior, and the impact on his family relationships. This study provides an understanding of the experiences of former methamphetamine addicts and can help design rehabilitation programs that are more suited to individual characteristics, especially for those with avoidant attachment style

The Interaction of Attachment Styles and Gender on Loneliness

The Interaction of Attachment Styles and Gender on Loneliness

Predicting guest satisfaction and willingness to pay premium prices for green hotels

Green transformation in the hotel industry represents an undeniable trend yet poses financial challenges, particularly in emerging economies. Expanding on the service quality-satisfaction-behavioral intention paradigm, this study investigates the influences of green emotional attachment, attitude towards green hotels, green image, green practice performance, word-of-mouth, guest satisfaction, functional value, and green experiential loyalty on green hotel premium payment. We collected 573 data points from China using purposive sampling. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed the positive effect of attitudes towards green hotels and green practices on guest satisfaction. The findings confirmed a positive correlation between guest satisfaction and willingness to pay a premium price for green hotels. This study also confirms the moderating effect of green experiential loyalty. Moreover, it recognizes gender, age, and income as partial moderating factors. These findings offer valuable insights into green hotel consumption research and assist practitioners in enhancing guest willingness to pay premiums and fostering sustainable industry development. The active implementation of strategies to boost guest satisfaction and willingness to pay premiums can further environmental conservation and support zero-carbon goals in the hospitality sector.

Antecedents of tourist loyalty in China’s Kangyang tourism: The influence of destination image, service quality, tourist satisfaction, and affective commitment

Background: Kangyang tourism, a wellness tourism niche in China, integrates health preservation with tourism through natural and cultural resources. Despite a growing interest in Kangyang tourism, the factors driving tourist loyalty in this sector are underexplored. Methods: Using a sample of 413 tourists, this study employed Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) to examine the influence of destination image, service quality, tourist satisfaction, and affective commitment on tourist loyalty. Results: The findings reveal that destination image and service quality positively affect tourist satisfaction, affective commitment, and loyalty. Tourist satisfaction and affective commitment are identified as critical drivers of tourist loyalty. Notably, affective commitment plays a stronger role in fostering loyalty compared to satisfaction. Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of a positive destination image and high service quality in enhancing tourist loyalty through increased emotional and psychological attachment. The findings inform strategies for stakeholders to improve Kangyang tourism’s growth by focusing on emotionally engaging experiences and service excellence.

Impact of Influencers on Indonesian Gen Z’s Cosmetics Purchase Intention Through Social Media

Digitalization has transformed various aspects of life in Indonesia, driven by increased internet access and mobile device adoption. By 2024, Indonesia has over 221 million internet users, making it a significant digital market. This change has notably impacted the business sector, with influencers becoming crucial in marketing strategies, particularly in the cosmetics industry. Influencers, ranging from celebrities to individuals with large followings, enhance brand awareness and drive sales through product promotions and reviews. This study examines the impact of attractiveness, expertise, and trustworthiness on emotional attachment, brand trust, and purchase intention. The findings show that attractiveness does not significantly influence purchase intention. Conversely, emotional attachment and brand trust positively affect all three dependent variables. Future research should broaden the model by incorporating additional relevant variables and contexts, supported by a robust body of literature to strengthen the hypothesis and research quality.

All is not equal: Public perception of cognitive abilities, suffering and emotional attachment in different pet species

All is not equal: Public perception of cognitive abilities, suffering and emotional attachment in different pet species

Genetic and environmental contributions to adult attachment styles: Evidence from the Minnesota Twin Registry.

Attachment theory, as originally outlined by Bowlby (1973, 1980, 1969/1982), suggests that the ways people think, feel, and behave in close relationships are shaped by the dynamic interplay between their genes and their social environment. Research on adult attachment, however, has largely focused on the latter, providing only a partial picture of how attachment styles emerge and develop throughout life. The present research leveraged data from the Minnesota Twin Registry, a large sample of older adult twins (N = 1,377 twins; 678 pairs; Mage = 70.40 years, SD = 5.42), to examine the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to adult attachment styles. Participants reported on both their general attachment styles and relationship-specific attachments to their mothers, fathers, partners, and best friends. The results suggest that attachment styles are partly heritable (∼36%) and partly attributable to environmental factors that are not shared between twins (∼64%). Heritability estimates were somewhat higher for parent-specific attachment styles (∼51%), whereas nonshared environmental factors accounted for larger proportions of the variance in partner- and best friend-specific attachment styles. Using multivariate biometric models, we also examined the genetic and environmental factors underlying the covariation among people's relationship-specific attachment styles. The findings indicate that the similarities among people's avoidant tendencies in different relationships can be explained by a single, higher order latent factor (e.g., global avoidance). In contrast, the genetic and environmental factors underlying attachment anxiety appear to be more differentiated across specific close relationships. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Coordination of parent and adolescent attachment across time.

Adolescence is a period of rapid social changes that may have important implications for the ways adolescents think, feel, and behave in their close relationships. According to family systems theory, adolescents' attachment-related changes have the potential to spread throughout their family system, leading to coordinated changes in parents' and adolescents' attachment styles over time. The present study analyzed data from 205 adolescents (MageT1 = 14.0, SD = 0.9; 44% female, 56% male; 51% White, 33% African American, 3% Hispanic/Latino, 1% Asian American, 12% another race/ethnicity) and their parents (196 mothers, 105 fathers; median household incomeT1 = $100,000) who completed self-report measures of their general attachment styles annually for 5 years. Using a latent growth curve framework, we examined the extent of coordination among adolescents' and parents' long-term trajectories and shorter term fluctuations in attachment security. The results revealed a push-and-pull dynamic between mothers' and adolescents' long-term trajectories of attachment security. Mothers who reported higher initial levels of attachment anxiety tended to have adolescent children who reported higher initial levels of avoidance. Additionally, adolescents who increased in attachment avoidance over time tended to have mothers who increased in attachment anxiety. Mothers and fathers mirrored each other's patterns of attachment security as their children navigated their teenage years, reporting similar initial levels of attachment avoidance and synchronized shorter term fluctuations in attachment anxiety and avoidance across time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Caregiver burden, attachment and cognitive emotion among the family caregivers of severe mental illness patients

BackgroundSerious mental illness (SMI) is a debilitating medical condition that causes stress and challenges for the family caregivers (FCs) of affected patients, increasing their caregiver burden (CB). This situation can activate attachment styles (AS) and trigger negative emotions, further contributing to CB. Given that AS and cognitive-emotional regulation (CER) can affect the CB of FCs of patients with SMI, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between CB with AS, and CER among the FCs.MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive-correlational study was carried out in May–November 2022. Participants were 278 FCs of patients with SMI consecutively recruited from Roozbeh leading psychiatric hospital, Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using a patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, an FCs’ demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Attachment Style Questionnaire, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers, and were analyzed using the SPSS software (v. 16.0).ResultsCB had significant inverse relationship with secure AS (r = − 0.262) and significant positive relationship with fearful AS (r = 0.194) and dismissive AS (r = 0.242) (P < 0.01). Moreover, CB had significant inverse relationship with adaptive CER strategies and significant positive relationship with maladaptive CER strategies (P < 0.001). Regression analysis also showed that CB had significant relationship with secure AS and catastrophizing, rumination, self-blame, and positive refocusing CER strategies (P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study concludes that AS and CER can impact CB. There is a negative relationship between secure AS and CB, as well as between adaptive CER strategies and CB. Conversely, there is a positive relationship between avoidant AS and increased CB, as well as between maladaptive CER strategies and CB. It is recommended to adopt strategies that promote the use of secure AS and adaptive CER among the FCs of patients with SMI.

Mentalization and Attachment Style as Underlying Mechanisms of Linking Collective Efficacy with Parental Self-Efficacy

Mentalization and Attachment Style as Underlying Mechanisms of Linking Collective Efficacy with Parental Self-Efficacy

A cluster analysis of attachment styles in patients with borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder and ADHD

BackgroundInsecure adult attachment has been associated with psychiatric disorders characterized by emotional dysregulation, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), bipolar disorder (BD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, little is known about the differences in attachment patterns between these diagnostic groups. The aim of this study was to identify clusters of adult attachment style in a cross-diagnostic group of patients with BDP and/or BD and/or ADHD and explore the characteristics of these clusters based on temperament profile, childhood trauma and psychiatric diagnoses.MethodsK-means cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups, based on the Attachment Style Questionnaire Short Form dimensions, in a clinical cohort of 150 young adults (113 women and 37 men, mean age ± SD = 23.3 ± 2.1) diagnosed with BPD, and/or BD, and/or ADHD.ResultsThree distinct clusters were identified: a secure, an insecure/avoidant-anxious and an insecure/avoidant cluster. These three clusters differed in temperament profile and related psychiatric diagnoses.ConclusionsThe three clusters of attachment in individuals with BPD, BD and/or ADHD could support differentiation between the disorders as well provide information usable for planning of treatment.

Conceptualizing Couples Through Romantic Attachment and Love Language

Attachment theory posits that relationships developed in childhood between children and their parents or caregivers, impact the manner in which later relationships are developed in adulthood. John Bowlby described various attachment styles within the child-caregiver relationship. Some of these attachment styles are viewed today through the lens of romantic attachment styles that include secure (content and healthy relationships), avoidant (dismissive and unengaged in relationships), and anxious (insecurities and fear in relationships). Couples romantic attachment could be better understood in conjunction with love languages. Love languages, developed by Gary Chapman, include words of affirmation, quality time, gift giving, physical touch, receiving gifts, and acts of service. Applying love language techniques to mending insecure attachments, can lead to couples understanding of one another's needs, and improve relationship satisfaction. Thus, this article advocates for clinicians’ assessing romantic attachment and love languages in couples therapy, to promote stronger, affectionate, empathic, and satisifying relationships. Lay summary Understanding your partner's needs can improve relationship satisfaction in relationships. Insecure romantic attachments may be strengthened by speaking your partner's love language. This article advocates for clinicians to assess for romantic attachment and love languages in couples therapy.

Mediation of enjoyment and burnout in the link between teacher-student relationships and foreign language achievement and its gender differences

ABSTRACT The significance of teacher-student relationships in foreign language (FL) learning has been well-established. However, the intricacies of how teacher-student relationships indirectly influence FL achievement, particularly through the lens of emotional experience, remain to be fully understood. Grounded in attachment theory and control value theory, this study dissected the mediating roles of enjoyment and burnout in the link between teacher-student relationships and FL achievement, and further explored the gender differences in these mediation effects. The survey encompassed 4,900 English learners from Hainan Province, China. Student-reported scales for enjoyment and burnout in English learning were utilized, complemented by an English achievement test. Structural equation modeling (SEM) elucidated that enjoyment and burnout served as partial mediators in the link between teacher-student relationships and English achievement. Furthermore, multi-group SEM revealed gender-specific variations in these mediation effects, with stronger mediation observed in boys than girls. This study offers theoretical, methodological, and pedagogical insights for FL teaching and learning.

Examining the role of classroom climate and teacher-student relationships in EFL students’ perceived learning outcomes: A self-determination theory perspective

Research corroborates that classroom atmosphere and the quality of relationships between teachers and learners play a major role in second/foreign language (L2) learning. However, their contribution to learning outcomes has been overlooked. To fill this gap, the present study drew on attachment theory (AT) and self-determination theory (SDT) to assess the interplay between classroom climate, teacher-student relationships, and learning outcomes from the perspective of Chinese EFL students. Moreover, it explored the predictive role of classroom climate and teacher-student relationship in Chinese EFL students’ perceived learning outcomes. To do so, three questionnaires were distributed among a large sample of EFL students (N = 413) in China. Afterward, AMOS software, structural equation modeling (SEM), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to analyze the data. The results showed a strong and significant correlation among perceived learning outcomes, teacher-student relationship, and classroom climate. Regression analysis also revealed that both teacher-student relationship (β =.211, p =.000) and classroom climate (β =.434, p =.000) were significant predictors of EFL learners’ perceived learning outcomes. They could jointly predict 39.8 % of the variance in perceived learning outcomes. The results provide a new understanding of the contributions of learning environment and classroom interactions to students’ learning.