The absorption-addiction model of celebrity worship: in search of a broader theoretical foundation

BACKGROUND

A large body of evidence suggests that some people have a strong, obsessive attachment to a favorite celebrity. The absorption-addiction model attempts to account for this extreme attachment, sometimes labeled "celebrity worship." According to the model, a small portion of celebrity admirers ("celebrity worshipers") become absorbed in the personal lives of celebrities to compensate for perceived personal or social deficiencies. The purpose of this study is to examine how the absorption-addiction model relates to broader psychological theories that include non-celebrity contexts. Specifically, we examine how the absorption-addiction model relates to three theories: empty-self theory, extremism theory, and the dualistic model of passion.

METHODS

Participants (N = 399; 77.94% women, Mage = 19.91 years, SD = 3.24) completed an online questionnaire measuring attraction to favorite celebrities. Constructs representing the three broader theories were compared to a measure of attraction to one's favorite celebrity.

RESULTS

Sense of emptiness, obsessive passion, and extremism were positively associated with celebrity attraction. The strongest association was found with extremism, though the effect was moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that extremism theory is the best fit of the three broader theories explaining celebrity worship, although its contribution to understanding celebrity worship is modest.

The relationship between maternal-infant bonding and postpartum depression/anxiety: moderating effect of childhood psychological abuse and validation of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding scale (MIBS-8) in Arabic

BACKGROUND

The emotional bond that a mother senses to her infant is essential to their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Understanding the level of mother-infant bonding plays an imperative role in the excellence of care. However, in Lebanon, there is a paucity of information about mother-infant bonding in the postpartum period. Given that Lebanese pregnant women constitute an important part of the population to look at, the objectives of the study were to (1) validate the Arabic version of the mother-infant bonding scale and (2) the relation between mother-infant bond and postpartum depression/anxiety; (3) the moderating effect of child abuse in the association between mother-infant bond and postpartum depression/anxiety.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 until June 2023, enrolling 438 women 4-6 weeks after delivery (mean age: 31.23 ± 5.24 years). To examine the factor structure of the mother-infant bond scale, we used an Exploratory-Confirmatory (EFA-CFA) strategy. To check if the model was adequate, several fit indices were calculated: the normed model chi-square (χ2/df), the Steiger-Lind root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) and the comparative fit index (CFI).

RESULTS

EFA was conducted on the first subsample. Three items were removed. The five items remaining loaded on one factor, which explained 73.03% of the common variance (ω = .91 / α = .90). After adding a correlation between residuals for items 2-7 and 5-8, fit indices of the CFA results were acceptable: χ2/df = 6.97/3 = 2.32, RMSEA = .068 (90% CI .001, .135), SRMR = .017, CFI = .996, TLI = .988. The interaction maternal-infant bonding by child psychological abuse was significantly associated with depression and anxiety respectively. At low, moderate and high levels of child psychological abuse, higher maternal-infant bonding scores (greater difficulty in bonding) were significantly associated with higher depression and higher anxiety respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study provides, for the first time, a specific Arabic scale to assess mother-infant bonding reliably and validly. Furthermore, our study has suggested the existence of factors that have additive effects in potentiating the risk for depression and anxiety among Lebanese postpartum women, namely a history of psychological child abuse. Therefore, laborious awareness programs and healthcare services need to be implemented in order to prevent maternal mental health disorders from being unrecognized and left untreated.

Attachment security and somatization: The mediating role of emotion dysregulation in a sample of Latinx young adults

BACKGROUND

Somatization has been linked to the underdiagnosis of mental health disorders among individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups, notably among Latinxs. While prior research has emphasized sociocultural factors, the exploration of potential inter- and intrapersonal mechanisms behind somatization remains limited.

METHODS

The current study examined the relation between attachment insecurity, emotion dysregulation, and somatization among Latinx young adults. Data were collected across seven separate Texas universities (N = 822). Most identified as female (76 %), were born in the United States (50.9 %) and were in their first or second year of university (60.6 %).

RESULTS

Hypothesis testing relied on two mediation models: maternal attachment security and paternal attachment security. The maternal attachment security model significantly predicted somatization, explaining 25 % of the variance. Notably, emotion dysregulation and maternal attachment security had main effects on somatization after accounting for country of origin, age, and gender. Results were similar for the paternal attachment security model.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include skewed gender distribution, a non-clinical college student sample, cross-sectional design preventing causal inferences, and potential bias in self-report measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Attachment security and emotion dysregulation play an essential role in the experience of somatic symptoms among Latinx young adults. Our results suggest that health care providers take into account insecure attachment and emotion regulation history of Latinxs presenting with somatic symptoms.

I'm with you, baby: Using parental embodied mentalizing in a pilot study to capture change following the circle of security parenting intervention

Supported by a large body of work demonstrating the impact of infant attachment representations on subsequent development, numerous therapeutic programs have been developed to promote secure attachment, with increasing focus on parental mentalizing. Nonetheless, empirical evidence supporting their effectiveness has yet to be fully established. The current pilot study (N = 24) was designed to evaluate whether and to what extent parents' shifts in parental mentalizing following a brief attachment-based group intervention, namely circle of security parenting (COSP; Cooper, Hoffman & Powell, 2009) can be captured using the parental embodied mentalizing instrument (PEM; Shai & Belsky, 2017). Compared to a waiting list-control group, this small-scale study examined whether community-based low-risk mothers of infants aged 5-48 months show an increase in their observed PEM capacities following the intervention. Secondary self-reported outcome variables parental stress, feeling of competence, and self-compassion. Findings show that PEM ratings improved significantly over time in the COSP group, but not in the control group. Intervention group mother-infant dyads also presented significantly longer embodied interactions communication post intervention compared to the control group. No effects of the COSP on parental stress, competence, or self-compassion were found. Despite the small sample size, these results tentatively suggest that COSP can improve embodied mentalizing abilities.

Mother nature: Applicability to contemporary attachment styles

OBJECTIVES

Explore humanity's shifting attachment to the natural world using established attachment theories as a framework.

METHODS

Investigate the analogy between human-nature connection and caregiver-child attachment styles. Draw on indigenous case studies, sociology and anthropology to highlight contemporary repercussions of this 'detachment'.

RESULTS

Factors such as rapid population growth and urbanisation have disrupted the secure attachment with nature, which is evidenced in ancient egalitarian societies. These factors can be mapped onto contemporary attachment domains.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an urgent need to re-establish a secure attachment to nature. This may be a pivotal strategy in addressing both mental health and environmental challenges, particularly in the context of the escalating climate crisis.

Childhood environmental unpredictability and hoarding: Mediating roles of attachment and security

Life history theory provides a unified perspective for understanding human behaviors as adaptive strategies to specific environmental conditions. Within this theoretical framework, hoarding emerges as a behavior reflecting an evolved strategy in response to unpredictable environmental challenges, serving as a buffer against resource scarcity and enhancing survival prospects. This study aimed to explore the key roles of childhood environmental unpredictability, attachment, and sense of security in the development of hoarding. 662 participants completed scales on childhood environmental unpredictability, Revised Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR-R), sense of insecurity, and Savings Inventory-Revised (SI-R). The results showed that childhood environmental unpredictability was significantly positively correlated with hoarding. Attachment anxiety and sense of security individually mediate the effect of childhood environmental unpredictability on hoarding. Additionally, 'attachment anxiety--sense of security' and 'attachment avoidance--sense of security' serve as chain mediators in this relationship separately. This study offers insights into the cognitive-behavioral model of hoarding, highlighting the importance of life history theory in examining childhood environmental unpredictability's relationship with hoarding. It also integrates insights from the psychosocial acceleration theory into our comprehension of hoarding's development. Future research directions are also discussed.

Attachment as an intermediary variable between childhood maltreatment and perceived partner responsiveness in adolescents and young adults

Cumulative childhood maltreatment (CCM) is associated with relationship difficulties including lower perceived partner responsiveness (PPR)-the degree of feeling cared for, understood, and validated by a person's partner. Attachment theory is understood via its representations of self and others and could offer a better understanding of how CCM effects continue into adulthood and affect PPR. We examined whether CCM is related to PPR via attachment in French-speaking adolescents and young adults. A sample of 427 individuals in a romantic relationship and another sample of 159 couples completed self-report measures. In both samples, a person's CCM was associated with their own lower PPR via their higher attachment anxiety and avoidance. In the dyadic sample, a person's CCM was associated with their partner's lower PPR via their own higher attachment anxiety. Attachment insecurities help understand the associations between CCM and PPR and may represent an important intervention target.

Assessing family relations in borderline personality disorder: A relational approach

The aims of the current study are to describe the basic family relationships, parental bonding patterns, and dyadic adjustment of families with offspring diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and to explore the correlations between these variables related to family relations and BPD symptomatology. The sample consisted of 194 participants, including parents from the control (N = 76) and clinical group (N = 76), and patients with BPD (N = 42). All progenitors completed a measure of family relations, parental bonding, and dyadic adjustment. Patients completed a measure of parental bonding and borderline symptomatology. The results showed significant differences between both groups in marital and parental functioning, marital satisfaction, dyadic adjustment, and care. Correlations among family variables and BPD symptomatology were also found. In summary, findings underscore the significance of comprehending the complexity of family relationships in BPD while advocating for a relational perspective when examining the family dynamics.

An attachment perspective on couple interaction: Helping couples signal needs clearly and respond appropriately

Attachment theory provides some important insights into couple relationships, including highlighting the importance of communicating one's needs clearly while also having a partner who is properly attuned and appropriately responsive to those needs. The purpose of this study was to provide an initial empirical examination of the signal-response dynamic. More specifically, we used data from 63 couples to examine the efficacy (in terms of psychophysiological arousal and feelings toward their partner) of a micro-intervention designed to help couples improve their signaling and responding when compared to a seminatural condition where the discussion more closely resembled how couples interact at home. We also explored the emotional experience of participants in various signaling and responding roles. Overall, we found preliminary evidence for addressing signaling and responding dynamics. We also found evidence that emotional experience varied according to signaling or responding roles. These findings have important potential clinical implications, which we discuss in depth.

Risk factors for persistent versus episodic mother-to-infant bonding difficulties in postpartum women in a nationwide Japanese longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

The quality of mother-to-infant bonding (MIB) is a crucial determinant of nurturing behaviors and infant development, with bonding difficulties (MIBD) posing a substantial threat. While it is essential to identify MIBD risk factors, previous studies have generally examined MIBD at one time point, leaving the contributors to persistent MIBD uncertain. This study aims to discern longitudinal risk factors for persistent versus episodic MIBD.

METHODS

We evaluated 1833 postpartum Japanese women who delivered in the past twelve months, utilizing the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) and other sociodemographic, health, pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing related data (T1). Follow-up data were obtained six months later (T2). MIBD was defined as a MIBS score of five or more, with "persistent" and "episodic" MIBD classified based on its occurrence at both or either one of the time points, respectively. Logistic generalized estimating equations and inverse probability weighting were used to identify risk factors and address selective attribution bias.

RESULTS

Of the subjects, 15.8 % reported episodic and 11.3 % reported persistent MIBD. Shared risk factors for both conditions included postpartum depression and low levels of family support (OR = 1.501-6.343). However, pre-pregnancy underweight status (OR = 1.698) was a unique risk factor for episodic MIBD, while first-time motherhood, no or discontinuation of breastfeeding, and later postpartum months (OR = 1.540-3.179) were distinctive risk factors for persistent MIBD.

CONCLUSION

We identified both shared and unique risk factors for episodic and persistent MIBD. Particular attention should be afforded to persistent MIBD and early and proactive interventions to mitigate identified risk factors are recommended.

Measuring Change in Attachment Insecurity Using Short Forms of the ECR-R: Longitudinal Measurement Invariance and Sensitivity to Treatment

Attachment insecurity is important for psychotherapy both as an aspect influencing the therapeutic process as well as potential outcome variable of a treatment. Two German short forms of the Experiences in Close Relationships - Revised (ECR-R) have been proposed to assess individual differences in attachment anxiety and avoidance. In this research, we examined whether these questionnaires are suitable for measuring change in attachment anxiety and avoidance by testing longitudinal measurement invariance in two independent clinical samples (N1 = 493, N2 = 273) using a pre-post design. Results indicated that strict longitudinal measurement invariance can be assumed for both measures. Thus, changes in scale scores before and after treatment can be interpreted as changes in the latent dimensions of attachment anxiety and avoidance. Both questionnaires were also sensitive to treatment in that attachment insecurity was overall reduced after therapy. Although both measures appear to be generally suitable for investigating treatment effects, they exhibited consistent problems with structural validity across samples that should be reexamined in future research.

Is Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up effective for parents with insecure attachment states of mind?

Prior research suggests that attachment-based interventions, including Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC), may be less effective at enhancing parenting quality among parents who self-report having an insecure attachment style. The current study tested whether effects of ABC on parental behavior were moderated by categorical and dimensional measures of attachment obtained via Adult Attachment Interviews with 454 parents who were approximately 34 years old, primarily female, and predominantly White or African American. Parents randomized to ABC exhibited higher sensitivity and positive regard, and lower intrusiveness shortly after the intervention than parents randomized to the control intervention (|β|s = .10-.27). The effect of ABC on intrusiveness persisted 2 years later. Effects at either timepoint were not significantly moderated by parents' attachment representations.

Testing the canalization hypothesis of attachment theory: Examining within-subject variation in attachment security

According to the canalization hypothesis of attachment theory (Bowlby, 1973), people's trajectories of attachment security should become increasingly stable and buffered against external pressures as their relationships progress. The present study aimed to examine this hypothesis within the context of romantic relationships. We analyzed longitudinal data collected from 1,741 adults who completed between three and 24 survey assessments (average number of waves analyzed = 6.79, SD = 5.31; median test-retest interval = 35 days). We modeled participants' within-person fluctuations in partner-specific security as a function of their romantic relationship length. Additionally, we examined whether attachment-related events (e.g., conflict with one's partner) predict greater within-person fluctuations in security among people involved in newer versus more established romantic relationships. Our results suggest that people in newer romantic relationships demonstrated greater fluctuations in partner-specific attachment anxiety-both generally and in reaction to attachment-related events-compared to those in well-established romantic relationships. However, neither of these trends was observed for partner-specific attachment avoidance. These results provide partial support for the canalization hypothesis but also suggest that canalization processes may be more nuanced than previously assumed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Mechanisms Linking Attachment Orientation to Sleep Quality in Married Couples

There is emerging evidence for links between relationship factors and sleep quality. Existing research linking attachment orientation to sleep quality has yielded inconsistent effects, has focused on younger samples, and has not considered underlying mechanisms of action. This research addressed these gaps in two studies that investigated the links between attachment orientation and sleep quality in both younger/middle-aged (Study 1) and older (Study 2) adult couples using Actor-Partner Interdependence Models. We also tested mediating effects of relationship-specific security and negative affect. In both studies, participants completed surveys assessing their attachment orientation, sleep quality, and the proposed mediators. Both studies revealed that relationship-specific security and negative affect mediated the negative association between insecure attachment and one's own sleep quality. This research enhances our understanding of how attachment orientation affects sleep quality, provides a foundation for future research on relationship influences on sleep, and suggests avenues for improving sleep quality.

Attachment security and problematic media use in infancy: A longitudinal study in the United States

Media use during childhood has quickly become a norm across the United States and in other countries. One area still not well understood is the development of problematic (or maladaptive and disruptive) media use in children. This research examines the role of attachment security as a central component in the development of problematic media use over time in a sample of 248 parent-child dyads (9.50% African American, 20.66% Hispanic, 62.81% White, 2.07% Asian, 4.96% other ethnicities). We examined the relationship between attachment security and problematic media use one and 2 years later. We then constructed a mediation model examining parent responsiveness while jointly engaging in media use and during play as mediators between infant attachment security and problematic media use over time. Results suggest that while infant attachment security may be protective against developing problematic media use patterns, this relationship does not seem to be mediated by parent-child interactions while engaging in media or during play.

The outsider phenomenon and the need to belong

The outsider phenomenon is an existential pathology interrelated with the need to belong. It is a group related experience that has developmental foundations. W. R. D. Fairbairn (1952), was one of the first psychoanalysts who systematically challenged Freudian theory, and located the human experience within social relationships. Fairbairn (1935) suggested that the family is the first social group, leading to affiliations with important groups external to the family. This paper extrapolates from Fairbairn's ideas about schizoid character, which is an interpersonal experience, to group experiences in a family and with identity groups. Fairbairn's notions about the unavoidable activation of schizoid processes may help us understand what makes the outsider experience so pervasive.

Prospective association of attachment style with suicide attempts among US Army soldiers

BACKGROUND

Insecure attachment styles are associated with retrospectively reported suicide attempts (SAs). It is not known if attachment styles are prospectively associated with medically documented SAs.

METHODS

A representative sample of US Army soldiers entering service (n = 21 772) was surveyed and followed via administrative records for their first 48 months of service. Attachment style (secure, preoccupied, fearful, dismissing) was assessed at baseline. Administrative medical records identified SAs. Discrete-time survival analysis examined associations of attachment style with future SA during service, adjusting for time in service, socio-demographics, service-related variables, and mental health diagnosis (MH-Dx). We examined whether associations of attachment style with SA differed based on sex and MH-Dx.

RESULTS

In total, 253 respondents attempted suicide. Endorsed attachment styles included secure (46.8%), preoccupied (9.1%), fearful (15.7%), and dismissing (19.2%). Examined separately, insecure attachment styles were associated with increased odds of SA: preoccupied [OR 2.5 (95% CI 1.7-3.4)], fearful [OR 1.6 (95% CI 1.1-2.3)], dismissing [OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.3-2.6)]. Examining attachment styles simultaneously along with other covariates, preoccupied [OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.4-2.7)] and dismissing [OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.2-2.4)] remained significant. The dismissing attachment and MH-Dx interaction was significant. In stratified analyses, dismissing attachment was associated with SA only among soldiers without MH-Dx. Other interactions were non-significant. Soldiers endorsing any insecure attachment style had elevated SA risk across the first 48 months in service, particularly during the first 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Insecure attachment styles, particularly preoccupied and dismissing, are associated with increased future SA risk among soldiers. Elevated risk is most substantial during first year of service but persists through the first 48 months. Dismissing attachment may indicate risk specifically among soldiers not identified by the mental healthcare system.

Comparative analysis of ROCKET-driven and classic EEG features in predicting attachment styles

Predicting attachment styles using AI algorithms remains relatively unexplored in scientific literature. This study addresses this gap by employing EEG data to evaluate the effectiveness of ROCKET-driven features versus classic features, both analyzed using the XGBoost machine learning algorithm, for classifying 'secure' or 'insecure' attachment styles.Participants, fourth-year engineering students aged 20-35, first completed the ECR-R questionnaire. A subset then underwent EEG sessions while performing the Arrow Flanker Task, receiving success or failure feedback for each trial.Our findings reveal the effectiveness of both feature sets. The dataset with ROCKET-derived features demonstrated an 88.41% True Positive Rate (TPR) in classifying 'insecure' attachment styles, compared to the classic features dataset, which achieved a notable TPR as well. Visual representations further support ROCKET-derived features' proficiency in identifying insecure attachment tendencies, while the classic features exhibited limitations in classification accuracy. Although the ROCKET-derived features exhibited higher TPR, the classic features also presented a substantial predictive ability.In conclusion, this study advances the integration of AI in psychological assessments, emphasizing the significance of feature selection for specific datasets and applications. While both feature sets effectively classified EEG-based attachment styles, the ROCKET-derived features demonstrated a superior performance across multiple metrics, making them the preferred choice for this study.

Oxytocin and state attachment responses to secure base support after stress in middle childhood

We tried to replicate the finding that receiving care increases children's oxytocin and secure state attachment levels, and tested whether secure trait attachment moderates the oxytocin and state attachment response to care. 109 children (9-11 years old; M = 9.59; SD = 0.63; 34.9% boys) participated in a within-subject experiment. After stress induction (Trier Social Stress Test), children first remained alone and then received maternal secure base support. Salivary oxytocin was measured eight times. Secure trait and state attachment were measured with questionnaires, and Secure Base Script knowledge was assessed. Oxytocin levels increased after receiving secure base support from mother after having been alone. Secure state attachment changed less. Trait attachment and Secure Base Script knowledge did not moderate oxytocin or state attachment responses to support. This might mean that, regardless of the attachment history, in-the-moment positive attachment experiences might have a beneficial effect on trait attachment development in middle childhood.

Early childhood attachment stability to mothers, fathers, and both parents as a network: associations with parents' well-being, marital relationship, and child behavior problems

This study examines the stability of child attachment to mothers and fathers separately, and to both parents as a network between the infancy and preschool periods using a sample of 143 biparental families and their children (73 boys) recruited from the general population. Attachment was assessed at 15 months with the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) and at 45 months with the Preschool Attachment Classification Coding System (PACS). First, results show no stability in attachment to mothers, to fathers, or to both parents as a network. Second, parents' mental health, life satisfaction, marital satisfaction, and child externalizing behavior are associated with attachment stability. Taken altogether, group comparisons reveal that children with a stable secure attachment to both parents as a network have parents with higher levels of well-being and exhibit less problem behaviors than children with 1) a stable secure attachment to one parent and an unstable attachment to the other parent (from secure to insecure or from insecure to secure), or 2) who never had a stable secure attachment to either parent. This study highlights the significance of attachment to both parents as a network over time as it is associated with developmental outcomes.

A Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis of the Mother-To-Infant Bonding Scale

The Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) is among the most popular measurement tools to evaluate caregiver-infant attachment. We carried out a meta-analysis study to explore the generalizability of the reliability coefficients for the MIBS in different studies. The literature review yielded a total of 702 studies investigating caregiver-infant attachment. After removing duplicate studies, we also excluded compilations, meta-analyses, qualitative studies, those using different measurement tools, studies published in a language other than English, citations, and those whose full texts could not be accessed. Eventually, we considered a total of 26 studies with 33 Cronbach's alpha coefficients that satisfied the inclusion criteria. We normalized the alpha coefficients using Bonett's transformation, and the analyses were performed using a 95% confidence interval. The findings revealed a Cronbach's alpha (n = 33) coefficient of 0.73 (CI = 0.68-0.77); hence, the present reliability generalization study provides evidence that the reliability scores produced after measurements with the MIBS in previous studies are acceptable across samples. Overall, further studies may reliably utilize the MIBS to evaluate mother-infant attachment.

Intrapersonal dynamics of closeness versus distance: Qualities of the self-concept distinguish destructive overdependence, dysfunctional detachment, and healthy dependency

INTRODUCTION

People vary in the degree to which they affiliate with others; exaggerated efforts maintain interpersonal closeness versus distance are codified in longstanding categorical models of personality pathology, and in contemporary dimensional frameworks as well.

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations between destructive overdependence (DO), dysfuntional detachment (DD), and healthy dependency (HD) and qualities of the self-concept.

METHOD

A mixed-sex sample of 229 adults completed the Relationship Profile Test to assess DO, DD, and HD, and the Object Relations Inventory (ORI) to assess qualities of the self-concept.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Analyses indicated that (1) the ORI Strong dimension was uniquely predictive of DO (inversely related); (2) ORI Warm and Nurturing were unique predictors of DD (both inversely related); and (3) ORI Nurturing and Successful were unique predictors of HD. This study illuminates key intrapersonal features of these three personality styles.

Attachment to God, Contingent Self-Worth, and Mental Health Outcomes in U.S. Collegiate Athletes

Scholars and practitioners have recently devoted increased attention to the psychological well-being of student-athletes. However, sparse research has examined the role of religion/spirituality in well-being in athletic populations. In a sample of U.S. collegiate athletes (N = 415), the present study assessed how the divine relationship, measured by attachment style to God, associates with depressive and anxiety symptoms in a sample of collegiate student-athletes, as well as the mediating role of contingent self-worth based on the approval of others in this process. Results show that secure attachment to God is associated with fewer mental illness symptoms, whereas avoidant and anxious attachment to God are associated with greater mental illness symptoms. Contingent self-worth based on others' approval partially mediates each of these associations. Implications for the religion and health literature and sport practitioners are discussed.

Childrens' attachment story-completions and their theory of mind in three Turkish contexts: Seasonal migrant agricultural worker communities, residential group homes, and rural villages

This study examines the association between attachment story-completions, as evaluated by a representational attachment measure, and theory of mind (ToM) among 204 socioeconomically disadvantaged children aged four to six years living in three distinct Turkish contexts: Seasonal migrant agricultural worker (SMAW) communities, residential group homes (RGHs), and rural villages. Attachment story-completions and ToM were found to be related to the distinct contexts children were living in. In the SMAW communities, higher number of children showed insecure dominant attachment, with only one in four having secure dominant attachment. About half of the children in the RGHs had insecure dominant attachment. However, the majority of village children exhibited secure dominant attachment. Furthermore, irrespective of the context, secure dominant attachment was found to have a substantial positive influence on children's ToM. Findings suggest that early intervention programs tailored to address emotional needs and support cognitive skills may be the most effective in helping children in these contexts.

Romantic attachment and support adequacy in new mothers

In the present research, we examined whether attachment anxiety and avoidance in support recipients were related to the extent to which social support received from a romantic partner matched the actual needs of the recipient. Two-hundred and forty-five first-time mothers, currently involved in romantic relationships, participated in study 1, in which perceptions of support were appraised over the previous month using self-reports. In study 2, we sought to replicate these findings using an experience sampling method to examine the association between attachment and momentary support perceptions in the daily life of mothers with babies (N = 40). Results indicated that high levels of attachment avoidance or anxiety in mothers were associated with negative appraisals of support matching. Receiving support which matched the needs of the mother (i.e., adequate support) was beneficial to mood, but not constructive to relationship satisfaction or perceptions of maternal efficacy.

Examining the complex relations between childhood adversity, mindfulness, attachment, and various personality outcomes: A Bayesian structural equation modeling approach

Research has demonstrated that childhood abuse and neglect can negatively impact individuals into adulthood. Abuse and neglect are associated with insecure attachment, lower mindfulness, and disordered personality traits, including borderline and psychopathic traits.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our present study was two-fold; first, we wanted to replicate the finding that the relationships between abuse and neglect and these traits are partly indirect through insecure attachment. Second, we wanted to determine whether mindfulness is an additional mediator in these relationships.

METHOD

A sample of 291 undergraduate students participated in the current study (Mage = 21.7, SD = 6.5).

RESULTS

Findings from a Bayesian Structural Equation Model supported the prediction that the relationship between childhood abuse and neglect and disordered personality traits was indirect through insecure attachment. More specifically, for borderline traits it was indirect through anxious attachment while interpersonal manipulation and callous affect psychopathic traits it was indirect through avoidant attachment. Importantly, mindfulness was not a significant mediator in the model for any of the outcome variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, there was support for the idea that insecure attachment was a potential mechanism in the relationship between childhood abuse and neglect and disordered personality traits, though there was no support for mindfulness as a potential mediator. Implications are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Attachment style and children and young people with chronic dermatological conditions

BACKGROUND

Dermatological conditions are common in childhood and, in their more severe forms, can cause pain, disability and social marginalisation. Despite attachment being a known factor contributing to psychological and physiological development in childhood and several adult studies showing associations between attachment and dermatology outcomes (Tomas-Aragones, 2018), attachment in young dermatology patients has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined if (1) 8-16-year-olds with chronic dermatological conditions were more likely to show attachment insecurity than general population peers; (2) attachment style was linked to psychological functioning; and (3) facial involvement was associated with attachment insecurity.

METHOD

One hundred and twenty-two 8-16-year-olds attending a specialist paediatric dermatological service were compared on the Child Attachment Interview (CAI) to general population data. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to measure psychosocial functioning.

RESULTS

The dermatology group was significantly more likely to be insecurely attached than their general population peers (χ2 [1] = 4.76, p < .05). The secure group self-reported significantly better psychological functioning on all indices compared with the insecure group (Total Difficulties: F[1,89] = 15.30, p < .001). There were no significant differences between secure and insecure groups on parent-reported psychological measures (Total Difficulties: F[1,94] = 0.67, p = .42). Children with facial involvement were not significantly more likely to be insecurely attached.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased risk of attachment insecurity, particularly in the anxious pre-occupied category, as well as an association between attachment and psychosocial functioning resonated with adult studies suggesting that further research about the role of attachment with young dermatology patients is warranted.

Pre-event attachment anxiety and avoidance predict posttraumatic stress symptom severity - Results from a longitudinal population-based study

Attachment-related anxiety and avoidance have been identified as risk factors for psychopathology following traumatic events. However, the predictive value of pre-event attachment orientations for PTSD symptoms in the general population remains unclear. Attachment anxiety and avoidance, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression, were assessed in autumn 2010 (T0) in 270 adult members of a Dutch research panel. PTSD symptoms were assessed in April (T1), August (T2), and December (T3) 2012 for events occurring within one year before T1. The predictive value of attachment orientations for severity and remission of PTSD cluster and total scores was estimated by latent growth curve analyses controlling for gender, age, and pre-event psychopathology. Attachment anxiety predicted higher posttraumatic stress severity at T1, while attachment avoidance predicted lower initial posttraumatic stress levels, together adding 7.4 % independently explained variance. Higher attachment anxiety was related to more remission of PTSD total scores (6.0 % independently explained variance) which might be understood as an effect of regression to the mean. In conclusion, insecure attachment orientation predicts PTSD symptoms in the general population. Our results advocate the significance of pre-traumatic factors for the prediction of posttraumatic stress and the consideration of attachment orientations in clinical work with trauma survivors.

Insecure attachment and personality pathology: Concurrent assessment and longitudinal modeling

Insecure attachment and personality pathology are parallel frameworks for representing interpersonal dysfunction. Although research to date has revealed strong bivariate associations between these constructs, the current state of the science is nonspecific and leaves piecemeal guidance for clinical and empirical efforts. The goal of the present study was to determine the magnitude of the associations between attachment and personality pathology across two conceptualizations of maladaptivity and across three waves of time, thereby satisfying repeated calls for empirical innovation in this area. A sample of newlywed heterosexual couples (N = 202 individuals) completed longitudinal assessments of personality pathology and romantic attachment insecurity. Results suggested that the covariation of attachment and personality pathology may be marred by measurement problems related to distress saturation in attachment and personality disorder instruments. Latent curve modeling further suggested that attachment insecurity and personality disorders fluctuate concurrently within persons. Future research should work toward validating unity models of attachment and personality pathology, correcting key measures, and documenting specific mechanisms of association between these constructs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Infant and preschool attachment, continuity and relationship to caregiving sensitivity: findings from a new population-based Australian cohort

BACKGROUND

Here, we report new prevalence and temporal stability data for child attachment and parental caregiving behaviour, from infancy (1 year) to preschool (4 years).

METHODS

Attachment (SSP) and caregiving data (MBQS) were from observations of parents and their infants and preschoolers, who represent the third generation of participants within an Australian longitudinal cohort.

RESULTS

At 1 year (n = 314 dyads) and at 4 years (n = 368 dyads), proportions assessed secure were 59% and 71%, respectively. Proportions assessed avoidant were 15% and 11%; ambivalent 9% and 6%, and disorganised 17% and 12%, at 1 and 4 years. Continuity of attachment pattern was highest for the infant secure group. Of dyads initially classified disorganised in infancy, 36% remained so at the preschool assessment. Attachment and caregiving continuities across the infancy-preschool period were highest for the stable secure attachment group and lowest for the stable insecure attachment group. Loss of secure attachment to mother by age 4 years correlated with decreased maternal caregiving sensitivity, and acquisition of secure status by age 4 was associated with increased maternal sensitivity. We found no difference in caregiving sensitivity scores for mothers and fathers for female and male preschool children.

CONCLUSIONS

The contemporary infant and preschool attachment proportions we report here closely mirror the patterns of those reported in prior decades, with an inclination towards secure base relationships. Our findings alert practitioners anew to the responsiveness of early attachment status to change in caregiving responsiveness and support ongoing investment in early identification of disorganised attachment.

Configurations of mother-child and father-child attachment relationships as predictors of child language competence: An individual participant data meta-analysis

An individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted to test pre-registered hypotheses about how the configuration of attachment relationships to mothers and fathers predicts children's language competence. Data from seven studies (published between 1985 and 2014) including 719 children (Mage : 19.84 months; 51% female; 87% White) were included in the linear mixed effects analyses. Mean language competence scores exceeded the population average across children with different attachment configurations. Children with two secure attachment relationships had higher language competence scores compared to those with one or no secure attachment relationships (d = .26). Children with two organized attachment relationships had higher language competence scores compared to those with one organized attachment relationship (d = .23), and this difference was observed in older versus younger children in exploratory analyses. Mother-child and father-child attachment quality did not differentially predict language competence, supporting the comparable importance of attachment to both parents in predicting developmental outcomes.

Predicting attachment in Portuguese infants born very or extremely preterm: Understanding the roles of infant regulatory behavior, maternal sensitivity, and risk factors

A growing body of research shows that early attachment relationships are foundational for children's later developmental and psychosocial outcomes. However, findings are mixed regarding whether preterm birth predicts later attachment, but insecurity is generally more prevalent among infants at higher medical and/or social/familial risk. This longitudinal study aimed to identify specific relational, familial/demographic, and perinatal predictors of attachment in a sample of 63 Portuguese infants born very or extremely preterm (VEPT, <32 gestational weeks) and their mothers from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. One-third of the mothers had social/family risk factors (e.g., single parent, immigrant, unemployed, low education, and/or low income). At 3 months (corrected age), dyads were observed during social interaction in the Face-to-Face Still-Face paradigm (FFSF) and during free play. At 12 months, mother-infant dyads were observed in Ainsworth's Strange Situation. Over half (58.7%) of the infants were classified as insecurely attached. Social-Positive Oriented regulatory behavior pattern, higher maternal sensitivity, higher infant cooperation during free play, number of siblings and an absence of social/family risk factors were associated with attachment security. Perinatal variables were unrelated to attachment. Findings indicate that both relational and social contextual factors contribute to attachment in this biologically vulnerable sample.

Unpacking the association between attachment insecurity and PTSD symptoms: The mediating role of coping strategies

OBJECTIVE

The current study provides a proof of concept for an aspect of the trauma and attachment model outlined in Marshall and Frazier (2019), which argues that attachment insecurity is associated with PTSD symptoms via hyperactivating/deactivating coping strategies, especially in the context of high trauma severity.

METHOD

302 participants who had experienced a traumatic event(s) completed a survey.

RESULTS

The results showed significant indirect effects between attachment insecurity and PTSD symptoms via hyperactivating/deactivating coping strategies, especially in the context of high trauma severity. In low trauma severity, hyperactivating strategies were not as strongly associated with PTSD symptoms and deactivating strategies not associated with PTSD symptoms. Hyperactivating and deactivating strategies were the mediators for attachment anxiety models and deactivating strategies was the mediator for attachment avoidance models.

CONCLUSIONS

This proof of concept for Marshall and Frazier (2019) provides a platform for future research to better understand PTSD symptoms from an attachment framework. Interventions are likely to benefit by assisting people high on attachment avoidance and anxiety to modify their deactivating tendencies following a trauma of high severity and also assisting people high on attachment anxiety to modify their hyperactivating tendencies posttrauma, especially following a high trauma severity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Attachment-Based Family Therapy for Adolescents and Young Adults With Suicide Ideation and Depression

Background: Suicide ideation among adolescents is difficult to treat. Attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) is a promising evidence-based family intervention developed to decrease depressive symptoms and suicide ideation among adolescents. Aims: This open trial assessed the feasibility of ABFT for adolescents (12-23 years) with suicide ideation and depression in an outpatient community mental health center in the Netherlands, by monitoring treatment compliance and satisfaction, treatment dose, and symptom reduction. Methods: Eligible patients were referred by the multidisciplinary treatment team at the facility. Treatment dose was monitored by the therapist. Depression (CDI-2), family functioning (SRFF), and strengths and difficulties (SDQ) were assessed online before the intervention and at 3, 6, and 9 months after baseline. Suicide ideation (SIQ-JR) was assessed at each therapy session, and a satisfaction questionnaire was administered postintervention. A total of 25 families signed informed consent, received ABFT treatment, and were included in the analyses. The therapists were at beginners' level of ABFT, working under supervision during the trial. Results: The treatment dose was acceptable, though impacted by COVID-related lockdowns, and treatment compliance was 89%. Patients received on average 22 ABFT sessions, and about half of the patients received additional psychotherapy. On average, patients were satisfied with ABFT. There was a significant decrease in suicide ideation postintervention (d = 0.69) and significant effects on the CDI-2, SRFF, and SDQ at follow-up with medium-to-large effect sizes (d = 0.53-0.94). Limitations: These results should be interpreted with considerable caution, as there was no control group to establish the effectiveness of ABFT, and the sample was small. Conclusion: ABFT appears to be a feasible therapy for youth with depression and suicide ideation in an outpatient community mental health setting.

The relationship between pregnancy and birth experience with maternal-fetal attachment and mother-child bonding: a descriptive-analytical study

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy and childbirth experience can be important factors for a pleasant relationship between mother and baby. This study assessed the relationship between the pregnancy and birth experience with maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) and mother-child bonding.

METHODS

A descriptive-analytical study was conducted among 228 pregnant women in Tabriz, Iran February 2022 to March 2023. Using cluster random sampling method, we included 228 women with gestational age 28-36 weeks and followed them up until six weeks postpartum. Data were collected in two stages using the following questionnaires: Pregnancy Experience Scale (hassles and uplifts), Maternal-Fetal Attachment Questionnaire (during the third trimester of pregnancy), Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire, and Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (six weeks postpartum). Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation test and general linear model.

RESULTS

The mean score of MFA was significantly higher among women with feelings of being uplifted during pregnancy [β (95% CI) = 1.14 (0.87 to 1.41); p < 0.001]. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between pregnancy hassles and MFA and mother-child bonding (p > 0.05). Also, there was no statistically significant relationship between childbirth experience and mother-child bonding (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study, pregnancy uplifts have a positive role in improving MFA. Therefore, it is recommended to plan interventions to make pregnancy period a pleasant experience for mothers.

Anxious to detect deceit: an empirical investigation of social defense theory

Social Defense Theory (SDT) states that anxious attachment reflects an adaptive sentinel strategy, whereby anxious people should be better able to detect lies than secure people. Existing research on this issue, however, has not been able to evaluate whether heightened lie detection among anxious individuals is due to an actual ability or a bias to assume that others are lying (one that pays off when others are, in fact, lying). We addressed this issue in a study in which 254 adults had to determine whether people in videos were lying or telling the truth about their experiences. Contrary to the predictions of SDT, highly anxious people did not have a heightened ability to separate lies from truths, but were biased to assume that others were lying regardless of the authenticity of their statements.

The Effect of Kangaroo Care on Paternal Attachment: A Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

During the first interaction between the father and the infant, touch can be very important especially father-infant skin-to-skin contact. Few studies have focused on the effect of kangaroo care (KC) on paternal attachment.

PURPOSE

This randomized controlled study was conducted to determine the effect of KC on paternal attachment.

METHODS

A total of 90 fathers of healthy newborns, including 45 in the intervention group and 45 in the control group who met the inclusion criteria, were included randomly in the study. Data were collected using the Introductory Information Form at study admission and the Father-Infant Attachment Scale (FIAS) at 3 months of age. T test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean FIAS scores for the intervention group (I) were higher than for the control group (C) (I: 80.57 ± 13.70; C: 56.76 ± 13.23) ( P < .05). Patience and tolerance (I: 13.70 ± 1.18; C: 11.57 ± 2.30), pleasure in interaction (I: 29.50 ± 2.86; C: 17.13 ± 5.93), and love and pride (I: 37.37 ± 2.85; C: 28.06 ± 5.82) mean scores for FIAS subdimensions in the intervention group were also higher than in the control group ( P < .05).

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH

Findings of this study demonstrate that KC has the potential to increase paternal attachment. Healthcare providers should provide discharge education for fathers on KC to increase father-infant attachment. There is a need for studies with larger samples in different cultures on the factors related to parents that affect father-infant attachment and evidence-based practices that increase attachment.

Transference and client attachment to therapist in psychodynamic psychotherapy

Although there are theorized connections between client transference and their attachment to their therapists (Bowlby, 1969/1982), limited empirical research exists examining their association over the course of psychotherapy. We thus examined the association between positive and negative transference and client attachment to therapist across the course of open-ended psychodynamic psychotherapy for 49 cases with doctoral student therapists and adult community clients who had at least 32 sessions. Using a Bayesian multilevel structural equation model framework, results indicated that client secure attachment increased and avoidant-fearful attachment decreased across the course of psychotherapy. For clients with higher preoccupied-merger attachment at the beginning of therapy, therapists perceived more fluctuation in negative transference over time than for clients with other attachment styles. Implications for research, practice, and therapist training are offered. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Influence of Childhood Psychological Maltreatment on Peer Attachment Among Chinese Adolescents: The Mediation Effects of Emotion Regulation Strategies

The formation of peer attachment is vitally important for the mental health of adolescents. Additionally, converging evidences show that childhood emotional trauma leads to poor peer attachment during adolescence. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism accounting for the link between early emotional trauma and adolescent peer attachment. Therefore, the present study is intended to examine the relationship between childhood psychological maltreatment (CPM) and peer attachment among Chinese adolescents and reveal its underlying mechanism. In total, we collected data from 670 adolescents (36.5% males and 63.5% females, Mage = 16.44 years, SD = 0.78) attending two Chinese high schools. These participants completed measurement scales for CPM (emotional abuse and neglect), peer attachment, and emotion regulation strategies, including cognitive reappraisal (CR) and expressive suppression (ES). The multiple mediation models showed that emotional neglect negatively predicted adolescent peer attachment but that emotional abuse did not. Furthermore, the two emotion regulation strategies, CR and ES, completely mediated the relationship between emotional abuse and peer attachment and partially mediated the relationship between emotional neglect and peer attachment. These findings extend the existing studies on adolescent peer attachment and elucidate how childhood emotional trauma negatively influences adolescent peer attachment. In addition, the present results provide implications for improving the peer attachment of adolescents. On one hand, appropriate family intervention should be implemented to reduce CPM. On the other hand, schools can focus on improving the peer attachment of adolescents by enhancing their emotion regulation. Specifically, adolescents should be taught how to use adaptive strategies, such as CR, to regulate negative emotions.

Using Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up with young children with developmental delays: A multiple-baseline trial of attachment, sensitivity, and cortisol

The Attachment and Biobehavioral Catchup intervention potentially offsets psychosocial risks facing dyads in which children have intellectual disability or developmental delays. In this single-case multiple-baseline study the efficacy of this intervention was tested across three such South African families. Maternal sensitivity, attachment security, and child affect regulation were measured weekly during a baseline and intervention period, using the Ainsworth Maternal Sensitivity Scales, Attachment Q-sort and salivary cortisol, respectively. Furthermore, post-intervention interviews invited parents' and intervenors' evaluations of the intervention. Visual analysis broadly indicated improvement in maternal sensitivity and attachment security across subjects over time following the introduction of the intervention, although randomisation tests were not statistically significant. Effects on affect regulation were not clearly observed and may have been influenced by case-specific variables. Parent-participants and intervenors also identified particularly helpful contributions from the intervention. Findings underscore the importance of individual-level effects evaluation, especially when implementing interventions outside the original population.

An exploration of ex-boarding school adults' attachment styles and substance use behaviours

Our study examines the relationship between boarding school attendance, adult attachment styles, parental bonding, and substance use, aiming was to quantitatively investigate if caregiver deprivation caused by boarding contributes to enduring outcomes in adults. In a sample of 149 adults, measures included AUDIT and DUDIT (substance use), Parental Bonding Instrument (parental care), and Experiences in Close Relationships (adult attachment). Pearson's correlation revealed a significant negative association between age at first boarding and anxiety, avoidant attachment styles, and poorer parental care, whilst a significant positive relationship was identified between age at first boarding and perceived parental care. This was supported by a hierarchical regression which demonstrated that the model predicted 29% of the variance in age at first boarding. These results contribute towards the formulation and treatment of ex-boarders and to research considering the effects of boarding school experiences on difficulties in adult life.

Insecure Attachment Orientation in Adults and Children and Negative Attribution Bias: A Meta-Analysis

This is the first meta-analysis to synthesize the literature on insecure attachment and negative attribution bias (NAB) from both developmental and social/personality attachment traditions. This meta-analysis is important because extant studies report inconsistent associations, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the nature of these associations. Based on 41 samples (N = 8,727) from 32 articles, we specify and compare the effect sizes of these associations across studies. Results confirmed positive associations between NAB and anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions and an insecure composite, with a medium effect size. Correlations were moderated by age group, type of attachment measurement, and cultural background. Our findings advance knowledge and build on attachment and attribution theories, reconcile mixed findings, and inform the development of NAB interventions. Important gaps in the literature are revealed that will inspire future research.

Quality of prenatal care and maternal fetal attachment among primigravid mothers in the Philippines: A cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

The prenatal period is a proper chance for evaluating maternal-fetal attachment.

AIM

To determine the relationship between quality of prenatal care and maternal-fetal attachment among primigravida mothers during late pregnancy period.

METHODS

The study conducted a survey using a 46-item Quality of Prenatal Care Questionnaire and 24-item Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale among 343 primigravida mothers in village health stations. Pearson correlation was used to correlate maternal-fetal attachment scores and quality of prenatal scores. Linear regression was used to determine relationships between variables.

RESULTS

Maternal-fetal attachment scores is correlated with: age ≤19 years (4.10 [95 % CI 1.81-6.39]), companion during visits (2.76 [95 % CI 0.34-5.18]), education (3.45 [95 % CI 0.93-5.97]). On multivariate analysis, the following were significantly associated with maternal-fetal attachment scores: information sharing (8.67 [95 % CI 4.74 - 12.60]), sufficient time (-2.34 [95 % CI -3.45 - -1.24]), support and respect (8.49 [95 % CI 4.54 - 12.45]), maternal age < 19 years (-3.78 [-5.81 to -1.75]), and unmarried (2.55 [95 % CI 0.70 - 4.41]).

CONCLUSION

The quality of prenatal care is correlated significantly with maternal-fetal attachment. Women valued the care given when it was individualized and the health workers were approachable in their ways and addressed their own particular needs. Combination of prenatal education and counselling tailored to address own particular emotional and social concerns of pregnant mothers are interventions that should be integrated in maternal care services.

[The Importance of Attachment for Human Beings and Dogs - Implications for Dog-Assisted Psychotherapy]

Attachment theory is known as an important therapeutic foundation. Establishing a secure attachment to a caregiver is equally relevant for the mental health of both humans and dogs. A bond can be formed between humans and dogs that is comparable to the attachment between mother and child. Patients with adverse attachment experiences often struggle to maintain stable relationships due to internal working models. Building a therapeutic alliance can also be challenging. On the other hand, establishing a relationship with a dog seems to be successful for patients with adverse attachment experiences. Inclusion of a therapy dog provides them with the opportunity for experiences of trustful relationships.These experiences can then be transferred to the therapist. Later on, internal working models of the patients can indeed come into play in the relationship with the dog. The resulting patterns of relationship can become visible in the interaction with the dog. Within the therapeutic triade of patient, therapy dog and therapist, these patterns can be reflected and integrated into the therapy process. However, achieving this requires a targeted and professionally grounded use of the dog. If dogs are employed with a therapeutic purpose but without professional guidance, there is a risk of reestablishing insecure attachment patterns, which could potentially lead to more disadvantages than benefits for both humans and dogs.

Boosting attachment security promotes prosociality: The mediating effect of moral disengagement

While attachment security is known to promote prosocial behaviour, a closer examination is needed to clarify the active mechanism in this relationship. We addressed this issue by examining the mediation effect of moral disengagement in two studies. Participants were assigned to the control priming group or the attachment security priming group. After the priming procedure, they completed the measurements of a sense of security, moral disengagement and prosocial behaviour. The results from both studies showed that compared with control priming, attachment security priming enhanced prosociality. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that moral disengagement mediated the relationship between attachment security and prosociality. The present findings extend the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of attachment security and prosociality, and provide insights into the effectiveness of boosting attachment security in intervening in moral disengagement.

On looking into The Ego and the Id 100 years after its publication

Freud's publication of The Ego and the Id sparked a diverging set of psychoanalytic models - ego psychology, structural conflict theory, Kleinianism, object relations theories, Lacanianism, etc. - each of which attempted to deal with the clinical limitations of his first topography in regard to unconscious guilt, negative therapeutic reactions and primitive character organizations. This paper attempts to look back on these developments from the perspective of contemporary, post-Freudian psychoanalytic theories.

Towards Preventative Psychiatry: Concurrent and Longitudinal Predictors of Postnatal Maternal-Infant Bonding

Maternal-infant bonding is important for children's positive development. Poor maternal-infant bonding is a risk factor for negative mother and infant outcomes. Although researchers have examined individual predictors of maternal-infant bonding, studies typically do not examine several concurrent and longitudinal predictors within the same model. This study aimed to evaluate the unique and combined predictive power of cross-sectional and longitudinal predictors of maternal-infant bonding. Participants were 372 pregnant women recruited from an Australian hospital. Data were collected from mothers at antenatal appointments (T0), following their child's birth (T1), and at a laboratory assessment when their child was 5-11-months-old (T2). Poorer bonding at T2 was predicted at T0 by younger maternal age, higher education, and higher antenatal depressive symptoms. Poorer bonding at T2 was predicted at T1 by younger maternal age, higher education, and higher postnatal depressive symptoms. Poorer bonding at T2 was predicted at T2 by younger maternal age, higher education, higher postnatal depression symptoms, higher concurrent perceived social support, and more difficult infant temperament, when controlling for child age at T2. To promote positive maternal-infant bonding, global and targeted interventions in the perinatal period may benefit from targeting maternal psychopathology, perceived lack of social support, and coping with difficult infant temperament.

What works for whom? Moderators in parental reflective functioning intervention

The DUET program (a group intervention) aims to enhance parental reflective functioning (PRF). We examined whether pretreatment levels of key outcomes as well as individual parental and family-environment characteristics predicted improvement after intervention with the DUET program. One hundred forty-two parents (native Israelis; mean age = 34.84 years) of preschool children (n = 107; mean child age = 4.3 years; 53% female) were assessed before, after, and 6 months following the intervention. Results indicated significant associations between lower levels of key outcomes at the pretreatment assessment and greater improvement after treatment in PRF, child self-regulation, and child self-distraction strategies. Furthermore, two subgroups of families were uncovered based on individual parental and family-environment characteristics: low-distress and high-distress parents. Following intervention, the high-distress group showed greater improvement in parental sensitivity and child problem behavior, whereas the low-distress group reported greater improvement in locus of control. Clinical and future directions are discussed.