Perceived support and relational conflict as mediators linking attachment orientations with depressive symptoms: A comparison of dating individuals from Hong Kong and the United States

Mediational mechanisms involved in the relation between attachment insecurity and depression: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several studies have investigated the intermediate variables or mediators through which attachment insecurity influence the development of depression. However, there has not been a systematic synthesis of this literature to date. The current meta-analytic review aimed at identifying such mediators and quantifying their effect size.

METHODS

We systematically searched Medline, Pubmed, Psycinfo, Embase, Proceedings Web of Science and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global up until May 2019. 108 studies met inclusion criteria (i.e., investigated intermediate variables that explain the effect of attachment insecurity [exposure] on depressive symptoms [outcome]). Standardized regression coefficients of the indirect and total paths of mediation models of 80 studies were pooled using the inverse of their variance as a weight. Studies were coded and ranked for quality.

RESULTS

Dysfunctional attitudes (β = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.20), self-criticism (β = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.28), low self-compassion (β = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.29), and cognitive hyperactivating regulation strategies (β = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.20), such as repetitive thinking (β = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.28), and particularly, brooding rumination β = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.32), mediated the association between insecure attachment and depressive symptoms. Indirect effects were only significant among adult populations.

LIMITATIONS

The methodological quality of studies was mostly moderate to low and analyses revealed considerable heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the direct targeting of cognitive-emotional psychological mechanisms in prevention programs and treatment of depression. More longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the interplay of such mediators along with other interpersonal factors between insecure attachment and depression.

The Role of Metacognitions on the Relationship Between Adult Attachment and Mood Symptoms in Individuals with Obesity

In order to examine psychological mechanisms contributing to the development and maintenance of mood symptoms experienced by individuals with obesity, this study focused on the mediator role of metacognitions in the relationship between adult attachment dimensions (anxious and avoidant) and mood symptoms (depression and anxiety). A 184 individuals with Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above completed a battery of instruments including measures of attachment styles, metacognitive beliefs and processes, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Multiple mediation analyses with bootstrapping demonstrated that while attachment anxiety was predictive of greater levels of depression and anxiety through the effect of beliefs about uncontrollability and dangerousness of worry, metacognitive factors have no mediator role in the relationship between avoidant attachment and mood symptoms. Findings suggest in particular that anxious attachment and metacognitive characteristics might be considered in case conceptualizations and intervention strategies for the psychological problems experienced by individuals with obesity.Level of Evidence: Level V: Descriptive (cross-sectional) study.

Attachment and social support in romantic dyads: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Taking a dyadic perspective, this systematic review examined the relationship between attachment constructs and differences in support behavior in romantic couples.

METHOD

Four databases were searched including PsychINFO, Embase, OVOID MEDLINE, and AMED. Out of 2,401 unique references, 43 met the study inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The review findings offer validation for an attachment-based model of support processes in couples. Maladaptive support behaviors were more likely to occur when one or both members of a romantic dyad had an insecure attachment. Individuals with an avoidant or anxious attachment were more likely to provide poor quality support, and when receiving support, to interpret it in a negative manner.

CONCLUSION

We recommend therapeutic interventions to help individuals with insecure attachments to follow more adaptive ways of support seeking, so social relationships are more able to offer a buffering effect against the development of mental health problems.