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Abstract Background Previous research has investigated the association between attachment styles and smoking behaviors, indicating a positive association of insecure attachment styles with nicotine dependence. However, these links were mostly explored in adolescent and student samples. Moreover, the explanatory mechanisms and the variables influencing the strength of this relationship remained understudied. In this context, the present study aims to: (1) examine the associations between attachment anxiety, avoidance, and nicotine dependence; (2) investigate the mediating role of emotion dysregulation and metacognitions about smoking; and (3) test the moderating roles of psychological capital and type of tobacco product used by the participants. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 447 participants who reported smoking. The age range of participants was 18 to 64 (M = 26.76; 59.7% women). All participants have completed five questionnaires measuring nicotine dependence, adult attachment, emotion dysregulation, metacognitions about smoking, and psychological capital. They also reported the type of tobacco product commonly used: classic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or heated tobacco products. Results Our findings show that the direct link between insecure attachment and nicotine dependence is rather inconsistent. However, it was mediated by the metacognitions about smoking. Psychological capital can act as a protective factor against the effects of attachment on nicotine dependence, especially for those using alternative tobacco products alongside classic cigarettes. Conclusions The findings highlight the possibility of developing better-tailored interventions and treatments to discourage smoking and increase smoking cessation. These should focus on eliminating the dysfunctional beliefs related to the metacognitions about smoking and on improving the levels of psychological capital. In addition, targeting attachment insecurities in early adolescence can also function as a mean to prevent smoking.

Background: Previous research has investigated the association between attachment styles and smoking behaviors, indicating a positive association of insecure attachment styles with nicotine dependence. However, these links were mostly explored in adolescent and student samples. Moreover, the explanatory mechanisms and the variables influencing the strength of this relationship remained understudied. In this context, the present study aims to: (1) examine the associations between attachment anxiety, avoidance, and nicotine dependence; (2) investigate the mediating role of emotion dysregulation and metacognitions about smoking; and (3) test the moderating roles of psychological capital and type of tobacco product used by the participants. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 447 participants who reported smoking. The age range of participants was 18 to 64 (M = 26.76; 59.7% women). All participants have completed five questionnaires measuring nicotine dependence, adult attachment, emotion dysregulation, metacognitions about smoking, and psychological capital. They also reported the type of tobacco product commonly used: classic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or heated tobacco products. Results: Our findings show that the direct link between insecure attachment and nicotine dependence is rather inconsistent. However, it was mediated by the metacognitions about smoking. Psychological capital can act as a protective factor against the effects of attachment on nicotine dependence, especially for those using alternative tobacco products alongside classic cigarettes. Conclusions: The findings highlight the possibility of developing better-tailored interventions and treatments to discourage smoking and increase smoking cessation. These should focus on eliminating the dysfunctional beliefs related to the metacognitions about smoking and on improving the levels of psychological capital. In addition, targeting attachment insecurities in early adolescence can also function as a mean to prevent smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While psychopathy has been a topic of interest in the psychological field for a long time, it is still unclear which developmental factors are related to its onset. Theories have suggested that experiencing trauma in childhood may contribute to the development of psychopathic traits. Experiencing trauma may also contribute to the development of an insecure attachment style, which in turn might cause the emergence of psychopathic traits. The current study investigated links between experiencing childhood trauma and the three psychopathy domains of the Extended Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy scale (E-LSRP; Egocentricity, Callousness, and Antisocial), and whether these links were mediated by the four insecure attachment dimensions of the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ; Need for Approval, Preoccupation with Relationships, Relationships as Secondary, and Discomfort with Closeness), in a large sample of non-clinical participants (N = 2023, Mage = 32.7, 70.0% female). The results suggested that Relationships as Secondary, but not Discomfort with Closeness, positively mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and the three domains of psychopathy, while Need for Approval negatively mediated this relationship. Preoccupation with Relationships was a significant mediator in the links between childhood trauma and both the Egocentricity and Antisocial domains, but not the Callousness domain. The current findings suggested that there might be both shared and differential mechanisms linking childhood trauma and psychopathic traits through insecure attachment styles. These findings can guide further investigations in longitudinal research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the heterogeneity of Chinese romantic couples' filial piety belief patterns. In addition, we investigated how the configuration of filial piety belief profiles within couples can link to individuals' perceptions of romantic relationship satisfaction and different attachment tendencies. We recruited 297 dyads of Chinese couples currently in heterosexual romantic relationships in the university. The couples completed self‐reported measures of dual filial piety beliefs (reciprocal and authoritarian filial piety), romantic relationship satisfaction, and insecure attachment (attachment anxiety and avoidance). We used latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify couples' dual filial piety belief interaction profiles. Four‐couple profiles emerged: (1) authoritarian couples, (2) balanced couples (while men with slightly higher reciprocal filial piety), (3) balanced couples (while men with lower reciprocal filial piety), and (4) divergent couples (balanced men and non‐filial women). The couples in the four profiles did not show significant differences in their romantic relationship satisfaction, but their attachment styles differed. (1) authoritarian couples experienced the highest levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance; (2) balanced couples experienced relatively lower levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance; and (3) non‐filial women in divergent couple profiles experienced significantly higher levels of attachment avoidance. This was the first study to uncover the possible associations between Chinese young couples' dual filial piety interaction profiles, and their dyadic relationship satisfaction and insecure attachment by adopting the person‐centered approach. We further discussed the theoretical and practical implications of the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about how insecure attachment affects aggressive behavior and well‐being among Vietnamese youth. Using structural equation modeling, we investigate the mediating role of subjective social status (SSS) on the paths from insecure attachment to overt aggressive behavior (OAB) and psychological well‐being (PW) in a sample of 1753 Vietnamese adolescents (Mage = 16.136, SD = 0.784) and test whether the results will be replicated in another sample of 601 Vietnamese young adults (Mage = 19.93, SD = 1.35). Participants complete a survey comprising demographic information, attachment styles, SSS, OAB, and PW questionnaires. Our main findings include: (a) anxious attachment positively related to OAB in both samples, (b) anxious attachment was only negatively associated with adolescents' PW, (c) avoidant attachment was positively correlated to OAB in adolescents but negatively correlated in young adults, and (d) avoidant attachment was negatively related to PW in both samples. In addition, (e) in adolescents, the mediation role of SSS was significant in all paths, but (f) SSS only mediated the link from avoidant attachment to PW of young adults. The present study suggests that aggressive behavior might not be associated with social status or attachment in the same way in adolescents compared to young adult Vietnamese samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competing attachment is defined as a relational dynamic where one partner in a romantic relationship turns to someone or something outside of the relationship for comfort, soothing, or other attachment needs. We used path analysis to analyze whether competing attachment predicted relationship satisfaction and whether this relationship was mediated by relational attachment security in adult romantic relationships. We also demonstrated the reliability and validity of the Competing Attachment Scale, which was developed for this study. Participants (N = 151) completed the Competing Attachment Scale (CAS;), the State Adult Attachment Measure, and the Couples Satisfaction Index-16. Competing attachment was found to negatively correlate with relationship satisfaction and state specific attachment security. Additionally, state specific attachment security was found to mediate the relationship between competing attachments and relationship satisfaction. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Children who have experienced maltreatment are more likely to have disrupted attachments, fewer psychosocial strengths, and poorer long-term psychosocial outcomes. However, few studies have examined the interplay between attachment security and psychosocial strengths among children involved in therapeutic services in the context of the child welfare system. The present longitudinal study examines the insecure attachment behaviors and psychosocial strengths of 555 children referred to the Therapeutic Family Care program (TFCP) in Cobourg, Ontario between 2000 and 2019. The children were assessed by their caregivers on a regular basis using the Assessment Checklist for Children (ACC) and the complementary strengths-focused ACC+ measure. Average age of children at baseline was 9.57 years (SD = 3.51) and 229 (41.26%) were female. We conducted growth curve and random intercepts cross-lagged panel models to test the longitudinal interplay between insecure attachment behaviors and strengths. Results suggest that females' attachment security improved, males' attachment security worsened, and both males and females developed strengths over time. Further, analyses revealed a directional effect, whereby fewer insecure attachment behaviors predicted more psychosocial strengths approximately 6 months later. Implications for attachment-oriented and strengths-based services in the context of child welfare are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual satisfaction is at the heart of a thriving romantic relationship and is intertwined with both partners romantic attachment orientations. Prior research has found that insecure romantic attachment orientations (anxiety and avoidance) are associated with lower sexual satisfaction in oneself and one's partner. Stress is known to exacerbate insecure attachment tendencies, and couples with children are often exposed to parenting stress, which has been associated with lower sexual satisfaction. It is therefore possible that parenting stress moderates the association between the attachment and sexual systems, such that among those who are high in parenting stress, the negative link between attachment insecurity and sexual satisfaction is stronger. The objective of this study was to examine the link between romantic attachment and sexual satisfaction, and the impact of parenting stress on this association. One hundred three mixed-sex couples completed self-report questionnaires and were included in actor and partner analyses. Both parents' attachment avoidance was associated with their own reduced sexual satisfaction. Fathers' attachment avoidance was associated with mothers' reduced sexual satisfaction. Additionally, fathers' parenting stress moderated the association between their own romantic attachment avoidance and their partner's sexual satisfaction. Contrary to prediction, as fathers' parenting stress increased, the association between their higher attachment avoidance and mothers' lower sexual satisfaction became weaker. Findings are discussed in light of research and theory on the role of attachment and parenting stress for sexual satisfaction in couples with children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is widespread with severe consequences. We assessed the influence of CSA on insecure attachment in 488 young women in Botswana with no history of CSA, a history of CSA without re-occurrence in adulthood, and a history of CSA with re-occurrence in adulthood. Binary logistic regression analyses were fitted to study differences in anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions. Young women with a history of CSA only and those with a recurrence of sexual abuse in early adulthood had more than three times (OR, 3.34; 95% CI (1.77–6.28) and more than five times (OR, 5.28; 95% CI [1.84–15.12]) the odds of reporting anxious attachment dimension, respectively. Self-reported CSA is common and a risk to attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to research findings, self-harm occurs more in adolescence than in other developmental periods. In addition to affecting social and academic functions, this disorder can lead to serious life risks. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between insecure attachment styles and self-harm with the mediation of resilience and mentalization. The method of this study was correlation. The statistical population included all first and second-high school students of one education district of Zahedan in the academic year of 2022-2023. Using a multi-stage cluster sampling method, 305 students who scored five or higher on the Self-harm questionnaire were selected. To collect data, the Revised Adult Attachment Scale, the Resilience Questionnaire, and the Mentalization Questionnaire were used. The data were analyzed using structural equations modeling using AMOS and SPSS software. The evaluation of the model showed an acceptable fit with the obtained data. Insecure attachment styles had significant effects on self-harm in adolescents with the mediation of resilience and mentalization (P < 0.05). Moreover, resilience and mentalization had direct effects on self-harm (P < 0.05). The research results indicated that insecure attachment styles could be a strong predictor of self-harm in adolescence due to resilience and mentalization. Considering the significant relationship between the research variables and this disorder, it is suggested that officials prevent the intergenerational transmission of insecure attachment style and self-harm by holding educational workshops for parents.IntroductionSelf-harm can be defined as an action in which an individual intentionally harms himself through cutting, scratching, hitting, or burning his skin with or without suicidal thoughts (Peh et al., 2017). Self-harm, which generally begins in adolescence, is associated with low mental health, unstable relationships, and possible suicide (Asranow et al, 2011).Research has shown that insecure attachment is associated with self-harm. People with insecure attachment have less resilience. In other words, such people are less able to adapt when facing adversity, trauma, and stress (Craparo et al., 2018). People with low resilience may show self-injurious behaviors when facing stressful factors, instead of solving and managing problems (Ran et al., 2020).Another important variable related to self-injury is mentalization. Mentalization refers to the ability to pay attention to mental states such as oneself and others’ feelings and desires. Low mentalization capacity is associated with insecure attachment and self-harm. Given the consequences of self-harm, it is important to identify the underlying factors to understand this disorder better. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the structural relationship between insecure attachment styles and self-harm with the mediation of resilience and mentalization. MethodThe study is a correlational one. The data were analyzed through structural equation modeling. The research population included all first and second-high school students of one education district in Zahedan in the academic year of 2022-2023. After coordination with the Ministry of Education, 12 schools and five classes from each school were randomly selected from 54 schools through a multi-stage cluster sampling method. The target sample was calculated based on Kline’s opinion (Kline, 2011). Klein considered the number of samples based on the sample size ratio to the parameter, which was considered at least 10 to 1 in structural equations. Klein claimed that a minimum size of 200 people could be supported. Using the multi-stage cluster sampling method, 305 students who scored five or higher on the Self-harm Questionnaire (Sanson and Sanson, 1998) were selected. To collect data, the Revised Adult Attachment Scale (Collins and Reed, 1990), Resilience Questionnaire (Connor and Davidson, 2003), and Mentalization Questionnaire (Dimitrovich, 2017) were used. Data were analyzed using AMOS (version 23) and SPSS (version 23) software. FindingsAll fit indices (i.e., AGFI, NFI, CFI, GFI, and RMSEA) were at the desired level. This showed that the hypothesized model had an acceptable fit with the research data. The results of this research study showed that ambivalent and avoidant insecure attachment styles had significant indirect effects on self-harm with the mediation of resilience. Resilience had a significant negative relationship with self-harm. In addition, insecure ambivalent, and avoidant styles with the mediation of mentalization could be considered a strong predictor of self-harm. Furthermore, mentalization had a significant negative relationship with self-harm. DiscussionThe present study was conducted to investigate the roles of insecure attachment styles in self-harm with the mediation of resilience and mentalization. First of all, the findings supported the indirect relationship between insecure attachment styles and self-harm with the mediation of resilience as well as the direct relationship between resilience and self-harm. In this regard, Balbi (1988) stated that an important part of how resilient a child is against the pressures of life depends on his attachment style (Svanberg, 1998). Insecure attachment styles reduce an individual’s resilience against difficult life events, and this may cause the individual to turn to self-harm when facing severe stress and anxiety. Moreover, the findings of the current study showed the existence of an indirect relationship between attachment styles and self-harm with the mediation of mentalization as well as the existence of a direct relationship between mentalization and self-harm. People with insecure attachment have difficulty acquiring mentalizing capacity and the lack of this capacity leads them to express their painful emotions in an inappropriate way such as self-harm during emotional arousal (Stagaki et al., 2022).Regarding the limitations of this study, it was limited to one city and one age group. Thus, generalization of the results should be done with caution. In addition, using structured, semi-structured, or unstructured interviews and qualitative research methods, more trustable findings could be obtained.

Helicopter parenting (or overparenting) refers to developmentally inappropriate or intrusive tactics to control a child’s behavior. Helicopter parents are usually trying to help their children, but their behavior has been associated with adverse academic, adjustment, and mental health outcomes in older children (i.e., adolescents, young adults), who should be developing more autonomy. The current study examined potential associations between helicopter parenting, attachment security, and academic and mental health outcomes in college students, hypothesizing that higher rates of helicopter parenting would be associated with more insecure attachment with parental figures and closest friends, poorer mental health (i.e., higher rates of depression and/or anxiety), and reduced academic motivation, performance, and self-efficacy. Our sample of 135 college students completed measures of anxiety, depression, and somatization, academic self-efficacy and motivation, perceptions of parental involvement, and dimensions of attachment in multiple relationships (i.e., mother, father, and closest friend). As expected, the bivariate and regression analyses revealed that higher levels of parental involvement (i.e., helicopter parenting) predicted significantly more insecure parental and peer attachment, greater internalizing, and lower effort regulation among college students.

Helicopter parenting (or overparenting) refers to developmentally inappropriate or intrusive tactics to control a child's behavior. Helicopter parents are usually trying to help their children, but their behavior has been associated with adverse academic, adjustment, and mental health outcomes in older children (i.e., adolescents, young adults), who should be developing more autonomy. The current study examined potential associations between helicopter parenting, attachment security, and academic and mental health outcomes in college students, hypothesizing that higher rates of helicopter parenting would be associated with more insecure attachment with parental figures and closest friends, poorer mental health (i.e., higher rates of depression and/or anxiety), and reduced academic motivation, performance, and self-efficacy. Our sample of 135 college students completed measures of anxiety, depression, and somatization, academic self-efficacy and motivation, perceptions of parental involvement, and dimensions of attachment in multiple relationships (i.e., mother, father, and closest friend). As expected, the bivariate and regression analyses revealed that higher levels of parental involvement (i.e., helicopter parenting) predicted significantly more insecure parental and peer attachment, greater internalizing, and lower effort regulation among college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alexithymia is a personality trait with its primary characteristic being a deficiency in handling emotions. Previous literature has found inconsistent findings on the relationship between insecure attachment and alexithymia. Therefore, this study adopted a three-level random-effect meta-analysis approach with the goal of understanding the underlying mechanism between insecure attachment and alexithymia based on the 415 effects from 67 studies. As shown in our findings, insecure attachment was significantly and positively correlated to alexithymia (r = 0.306; 95% CI: 0.286, 0.325; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the moderator analysis demonstrated that category of insecure attachment (F(4, 399) = 5.896; p < 0.001), measurement of insecure attachment (F(13, 397) = 2.074; p = 0.015), and facet of alexithymia (F(4, 406) = 26.218; p < 0.001) showed significant moderating effects. In terms of different categories of attachment, individuals with anxious attachment could show more severe alexithymia than those with preoccupied attachment. As for diverse measurements of attachment, the moderating effect of the Experiences in Close Relationship (ECR) on the relationship between insecure attachment and alexithymia is the most significant, followed by the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), then the Relationship Style Questionnaire (RSQ), with the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) being the least. Regarding various facets of alexithymia, the significance of their moderating effect is, in descending order, externally oriented thinking, general alexithymia, and difficulty describing feelings. Overall, this review confirms the aggravating effect of insecure attachment on alexithymia, providing a feasible gateway to prevent emotional management impairments, that is, reducing the likelihood of high-level alexithymia by averting individuals from developing insecure attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the lived experiences of married couples who have undergone attachment trauma (insecure attachment). It employed a qualitative methodology, specifically utilizing interpretive phenomenology and the Van Mannen analytical method. All couples referred to counseling centers in Kermanshah in 2020 constituted the target population, and criterion-based purposive sampling was used to select the sample. The clients completed the Carver Measure of Attachment Qualities. Those who exhibited insecure attachment and were more likely to participate in the study were interviewed in a semi-structured format until saturation was reached. The final tally of participants was fourteen, comprised of eight females and six males. Data were collected, recorded, coded, and classified into main themes and sub-themes. The data were analyzed utilizing Van Manen’s method of theme analysis, which extracted themes in accordance with three distinct approaches—general, selective, and fragmentary. Thirty subthemes and five overarching themes are discerned through this analysis: disturbed communication patterns, the presence of mental disorders and emotional regulation difficulties, domestic violence and aggression, disrupted sexual relations, and troubled romantic and interpersonal relationships. The emotional dissolution of a married couple’s existence is the result of communication patterns that have been disrupted by attachment trauma. Therefore, it is imperative to implement training programs and conduct enrichment courses that are grounded in the adult’s attachment style in order to mitigate couple conflicts.

Introduction: Bowlby suggests that children develop internal working models in earlier stages depending on their attachment relationships with parents. In paediatric dental clinics, children tend to display various behaviours depending on their attachment style, which can affect the communication and treatment outcomes with the child dentist. Aim: To determine the prevalence of attachment styles in 9 to 12 years old school children and to assess the association of attachment styles with the age and gender of the children. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 384 school children aged 9 to 12 years, in the Nellore district using the cluster sampling method. Attachment styles were measured using a 15-item questionnaire developed from the Attachment Questionnaire for Children (AQ-C). The children were instructed and then asked to read and rate the extent to which each questionnaire item described themselves. Data were analysed statistically using the chi-square test for prevalence of attachment styles, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis for age and gender associations. The level of significance was set at p≤0.05. Results: The study found that 64.10% (n=246) of all participants exhibited a secure attachment style, while 7% (n=27) and 28.9% (n=111) displayed avoidant and ambivalent attachment styles, respectively. Age showed a significant association with secure (p=0.006) and ambivalent (p=0.026) attachment styles. However, gender did not show any association with attachment styles. Conclusion: The study concluded that the secure attachment style was the most prevalent, followed by ambivalent and avoidant attachment styles, regardless of gender. Age was found to be significantly associated with secure and ambivalent attachment styles.

This study aims to research fathers' experiences of having time with their securely and insecurely attached children on workdays and vacation days. Case study, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the research. Children, at the 5-6 years of age group receiving pre-school education, and their fathers, selected through criterion sampling method in the 2021-2022 academic year, participated in the study. Data were collected by interviewing with 20 fathers in total, including 10 fathers whose children were securely attached to them, and 10 fathers whose children were insecurely attached to them. Content analysis was performed on the acquired data. As a result of the research, it has been seen that fathers of children with secure attachment spend more time with their children on work and vacation days, take part in care needs more, meet their playing needs more, and develop a closer emotional relationship in comparison with fathers of children with insecure attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) has been conceptualized as a disorder of attachment. However, the specificity of attachment insecurity to BPD in adolescents remains unclear. In this study, an inpatient sample (n = 521), of which 173 (33.2%) met the criteria for BPD, and a control sample of community-dwelling adolescents (n = 294) ages 12-17 were compared on a self-report measure of attachment security. In addition, hierarchical regression analyses were carried out to examine the incremental contribution of BPD symptoms, over and above internalizing and externalizing symptoms, in predicting attachment security. Results showed expected group differences such that adolescents with BPD evidenced higher levels of attachment insecurity to both fathers and mothers than psychiatric and community-dwelling controls. BPD features also incremented internalizing and externalizing problems associated with attachment security. However, because psychiatric controls also evidenced high levels of attachment insecurity, we conclude that while attachment insecurity is particularly salient for BPD, it is not necessarily specific to the disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In South Korea, anti-feminism is now rapidly spreading online among young men, who have started to identify themselves as a social minority or "victims" of female power. Despite its ramifications, theoretically, anti-feminism is indistinct from the racism and sexism of White men that emerged more than half a century ago. In view of this, it shares the same root as typical modern racism or sexism, although it appears to be a novel phenomenon. Such a hypothesis was buttressed by quantifying the attitudes of anti-feminists toward various outgroups based on the transference of prejudice theory. Moreover, the subtle sexist undertones hidden in their arguments have been discussed using various psychological theories and empirical data/statistics. Additionally, various potential factors that may shape or accelerate their attitudes or behaviors have been discussed on the basis of the threat-defense theory. Through comprehensive literature review based on this theory, this study proposes the features related to Korean anti-feminism, encompassing behavioral/situational (overindulging violent or degrading Internet contents, verbal aggression), relational/epistemic (ostracism, attachment insecurity, pseudo-rationalism), and group-level (provocative interactions, polarization) attributes, some of which may also influence groups other than young men and ingrain or exacerbate the extreme ideologies of other groups, including young women. Scrutinizing Korean online anti-feminismandmale-victimideologymay improve our understanding of the psychological origins of various social extremities or radical ideologies beyond cultural barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of mindfulness have been noticed in academics, but whether and how perceived mindful parenting prevents maladaptive academic behaviours (e.g. rigid persistence, self-handicapping, and compulsive learning behaviour) have rarely been discussed. Therefore, a model of perceived mindful parenting, insecure attachment, children mindfulness, and maladaptive academic behaviours (a PAMB model) was constructed to address the issues. The participants were 739 junior high school students and structural equation modelling was used. The results were as follows: (a) The PAMB model fitted the observed data well. (b) Perceived mindful parenting negatively predicted maladaptive academic behaviours by promoting children mindfulness. (c) Insecure attachment and children mindfulness mediated in sequence the relation between perceived mindful parenting and maladaptive academic behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing literature on dating violence identifies a number of antecedents to dating violence but few studies situate attitudes toward dating violence within attachment theory and the gender role perspective while also accounting for gender differentiations in attitudes toward dating violence. This is a correlational study examining the relationships between attachment styles, egalitarian gender roles, and attitudes toward dating violence. In a sample of 574 college students, results demonstrated a significant low level correlation between avoidant attachment style, egalitarian gender roles, and attitudes toward dating violence. Mediation analysis results showed that egalitarian gender roles significantly mediate the relationship between avoidant attachment dimension and attitudes toward dating violence, while moderation analysis showed that gender is a significant moderator for avoidantly attached individuals. The conditional indirect effect and index of moderated mediation were also significant for the avoidant attachment dimension. The results are discussed in light of the literature on attachment and gender roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to research findings, self-harm occurs more in adolescence than in other developmental periods. In addition to affecting social and academic functions, this disorder can lead to serious life risks. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between insecure attachment styles and self-harm with the mediation of resilience and mentalization. The method of this study was correlation. The statistical population included all first and second-high school students of one education district of Zahedan in the academic year of 2022-2023. Using a multi-stage cluster sampling method, 305 students who scored five or higher on the Self-harm questionnaire were selected. To collect data, the Revised Adult Attachment Scale, the Resilience Questionnaire, and the Mentalization Questionnaire were used. The data were analyzed using structural equations modeling using AMOS and SPSS software. The evaluation of the model showed an acceptable fit with the obtained data. Insecure attachment styles had significant effects on self-harm in adolescents with the mediation of resilience and mentalization (P < 0.05). Moreover, resilience and mentalization had direct effects on self-harm (P < 0.05). The research results indicated that insecure attachment styles could be a strong predictor of self-harm in adolescence due to resilience and mentalization. Considering the significant relationship between the research variables and this disorder, it is suggested that officials prevent the intergenerational transmission of insecure attachment style and self-harm by holding educational workshops for parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attachment-related difficulties frequently present in child and adolescent clinical services. Yet how parents engage with being informed of their child's attachment-related difficulties is little understood. In this qualitative study, ten parents with a birth child with attachment-related difficulties, as informed by a relevant service, and six healthcare professionals, were interviewed. The aim was to explore both perspectives on how parents experienced and engaged with this process, of their understanding of the child's difficulties and the supports they engaged with. Using grounded theory, the parental journey from shame to awareness is described, based around four main themes: failing as a parent, the process of making sense, a call to action, and awareness of attachment and interrelated difficulties. The intensity of shame and defensive processes felt by parents came through strongly in narratives, forming a key barrier to sense-making and action, while specific clinical, personal and support/resource characteristics facilitated progress. The findings highlight how parents can be better supported into a space of attachment-related awareness and understanding, which may in turn facilitate more positive outcomes for the child. The study also raises wide ranging implications relevant to all involved in the investment, planning and delivery of care for this client group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Cinderella Syndrome", which expresses women who are afraid of independence, appears as a concept that shows that women are psychologically dependent and waiting to be rescued by a man one day despite the negativities they experience. In this study, it was aimed to examine Cinderella Syndrome in terms of attachment styles. 431 adult women over the age of 25 participated in this correlational survey study, which was reached by convenient sampling method. Data were collected through the "Cinderella Syndrome Scale" and the "Three-Dimensional Attachment Styles Scale". According to the findings, it was determined that all sub-dimensions of Cinderella syndrome were positively correlated with avoidant and anxious attachment styles. These two attachment styles explain 6.4% of Cinderella syndrome. The quitting the career scores of women whose parents are separated and whose parents have died are significantly higher than those whose parents are together. It was determined that university graduates had a lower level of Cinderella Syndrome. The results were interpreted by considering the relationship between attachment styles and gender roles, which seem to be related to Cinderella Syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Insecure attachment is considered a general risk factor for eating disorders (ED). Emotion dysregulation has been proposed as one of the possible mechanisms by which attachment insecurity may affect ED psychopathology. Aim of the present study was to investigate whether difficulties in acceptance of emotions or emotional clarity may mediate the connection between insecure attachment and ED psychopathology. Method: One hundred and twenty patients participated and completed the Italian version of Eating Disorder Inventory‐2, Experience in Close Relationship questionnaire and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. A mediator path model was performed, in which insecure attachment dimensions were set as independent variables, ED specific psychopathology measures as dependent variables, and non‐acceptance of emotion and lack of emotional clarity as mediators. Results: The association between both attachment avoidance and anxiety and ED specific symptoms was mediated by emotional non‐acceptance, but not by emotional clarity. Conclusions: This study showed the importance to address emotion regulation in individuals with ED, focussing on improving emotional acceptance. Exploring early developmental processes which lead to non‐acceptance of emotions could improve this psychological trait in people with ED. Key points: Insecure attachment is considered a general risk factor for ED.Insecure attachment is associated with ED specific symptoms through emotional non‐acceptance.Emotional clarity does not mediate the association between insecure attachment and ED specific symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exercise addiction (EA) and eating disorders (ED) frequently co-occur in both professional and amateur athletes, with up to 48% of individuals with EA also exhibiting symptoms of ED. Furthermore, pathological attachment styles have been linked to both EA and ED. The current study aimed to explore the unique association between types of insecure attachment styles (i.e., anxiety or avoidance) and EA and ED. Method: Four hundred and five Israelis (199 women, 206 men) who were recreational exercisers (i.e., exercised at least four hours a week for at least one year) with ages ranging from 18 to 78 (M = 38, SD = 12.31) completed a set of questionnaires, including the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Exercise Addiction Inventory, and the Experiences in Close Relationship Scale. Path analysis was used to simultaneously examine the associations of attachment anxiety and avoidance with EA and ED symptoms. Attachment anxiety and avoidance were specified as independent variables predicting ED and EA symptoms and were entered into the analysis as two parallel dependent variables. Results: The results of the study indicate that attachment anxiety is positively associated with symptoms of EDs, while the association between attachment anxiety and symptoms of EA is not significant. On the other hand, attachment avoidance shows a positive association with symptoms of exercise addiction, but no significant association with symptoms of EDs is found. Conclusions: These results imply that the anxious attachment regulation strategy is highly associated with body image concerns. Furthermore, individuals characterized by avoidance attachment manifest regulation strategies through excessive exercise. Scholars and practitioners could use these results to examine dispositional risk factors for insecure attachment styles and to assess specific pathologies among the population of recreational exercisers. The study also discusses limitations, future directions, and implications in detail. Plain English summary: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between exercise addiction, eating disorders, and pathological attachment styles among habitual exercisers. Approximately half of individuals addicted to exercise also exhibit maladaptive eating behaviors. Insecure attachment styles have been associated with these two pathologies. However, the exact nature of this relationship is not fully understood and requires further research. A total of 405 habitual athletes who exercised for a minimum of four hours per week for at least one year were recruited from social media groups dedicated to exercise, as well as through ads posted at fitness centers and with professional trainers. Participants completed three psychological inventories, including measures of eating disorder symptoms, exercise addiction, and attachment styles. Results indicated that attachment anxiety was solely related to symptoms of maladaptive eating behaviors, while attachment avoidance was only associated with symptoms of exercise addiction. Findings suggest that individuals with anxious attachment may be more prone to body image concerns, whereas those with avoidance attachment may be more likely to engage in compulsive exercise behaviors. These results have implications for scholars and practitioners in terms of examining dispositional risk factors for insecure attachment styles and assessing specific pathological and addictive behaviors among recreational exercisers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Concern exists regarding the potential negative consequences of smartphone addiction among adolescents. This study investigated the effect of use motivations and alexithymia on smartphone addiction among adolescents with two insecure attachment styles, namely, anxious and avoidant attachment. These attachment styles were regarded as mediating variables. Methods: Self-report measures were used to assess use motivations, alexithymia, insecure attachment and smartphone addiction. Data were collected from 748 junior high school students (382 males and 366 females) in northeastern China. Structural equation modeling was used to test our hypothesis that use motivations and alexithymia are directly associated with smartphone addiction and also through the mediation of attachment insecurities. Results: The structural equation modeling results showed a strong and positive correlation between use motivation and smartphone addiction, with avoidant attachment mediating such a relationship. Meanwhile, the two components of alexithymia, difficulty identifying feelings and externally oriented thinking, positively predicted smartphone addiction, with avoidant attachment serving as a mediator of this effect. In addition, the mediation analysis results demonstrated that attachment anxiety mediated the connection between escape drive, extrinsically focused thought, and smartphone addiction. Conclusion: Findings describe how attachment insecurities, smartphone use motivations, and alexithymia can interact with one another to predict smartphone addiction. Smartphone use motivation types and alexithymia symptoms should be taken into consideration when designing targeted intervention programs for smartphone addiction to address the different attachment needs of adolescents, which would be helpful to reduce their smartphone addiction behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to adapt and psychometrically validate the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) based on the cognitive-behavioral model of problematic Internet use. Furthermore, the study aimed to examine the relationship between problematic Internet use and other specific Internet-related disorders (i.e., social networking sites addiction, Facebook addiction, and problematic pornography use), as well as the relationships with indicators of poor psychosocial functioning. participants and procedure GPIUS2 was administered to 1155 young Internet users. Participants completed a survey assessing problematic Internet use, specific Internet related-disorders, and indicators of poor psychosocial functioning (anxious and avoidant attachment, social anxiety, and loneliness) via two measuring contexts (online and offline). RESULTS: The results support a four-factor internal structure of the GPIUS2, similar to that initially proposed and the results of the previous studies. GPIUS2 demonstrated good reliability as well as scalar invariance across online and offline measured contexts. CONCLUSIONS: Problematic Internet use is a multidimensional construct rather than a one-dimensional construct with strong but not overlapping positive relations with the other specific Internet-related disorders. Those relationships are especially strong among problematic activities related to the social context of Internet use. Furthermore, our findings prove the theoretical assumptions that psychosocial problems and poor social skills are related to problematic Internet use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bu çalışmanın amacı, 18-35 yaş arasındaki genç yetişkinlerin nesne ilişkileri ile travma sonrası büyüme düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkide algılanan sosyal desteğin aracı rolünü incelemektir. Çalışmanın örneklemini 257 kadın (%76,9) 77(%23,1) erkek 334 katılımcı oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada ilişkisel tarama modeli ve kartopu örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Katılımcılar, araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan Sosyodemografik bilgi formu, Bell Nesne İlişkileri ve Gerçeği Değerlendirme Ölçeği (BORRTI), Travma Sonrası Büyüme Ölçeği (TSBÖ) ve Çok Boyutlu Algılanan Sosyal Destek Ölçeği (ÇBASDÖ) doldurmuşlardır. İstatistiksel analizler, Sosyal Bilimler için İstatistik (SPSS) Programı 25,00 ile yapılmıştır. Data analizi aşamasında aracı değişken analizi (PROCESS) ve Pearson korelasyon analizi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışmadan elde edilen bulgulara göre nesne ilişkileri ile travma sonrası büyüme arasındaki ilişkide algılanan sosyal desteğin aracı rolü olduğu belirlenmiştir.

Background The present study aimed to adapt and psychometrically validate the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) based on the cognitive-behavioral model of problematic Internet use. Furthermore, the study aimed to examine the relationship between problematic Internet use and other specific Internet-related disorders (i.e., social networking sites addiction, Facebook addiction, and problematic pornography use), as well as the relationships with indicators of poor psychosocial functioning. Participants and procedure GPIUS2 was administered to 1155 young Internet users. Participants completed a survey assessing problematic Internet use, specific Internet related-disorders, and indicators of poor psychosocial functioning (anxious and avoidant attachment, social anxiety, and loneliness) via two measuring contexts (online and offline). Results The results support a four-factor internal structure of the GPIUS2, similar to that initially proposed and the results of the previous studies. GPIUS2 demonstrated good reliability as well as scalar invariance across online and offline measured contexts. Conclusions Problematic Internet use is a multidimensional construct rather than a one-dimensional construct with strong but not overlapping positive relations with the other specific Internet-related disorders. Those relationships are especially strong among problematic activities related to the social context of Internet use. Furthermore, our findings prove the theoretical assumptions that psychosocial problems and poor social skills are related to problematic Internet use.

Initiating a romantic relationship is an important developmental task in emerging adulthood. Previous research has shown a negative association between insecure attachment (such as anxious and avoidant attachment) and relationship quality/stability. However, few studies have examined the mechanism involved between them. The current study investigated the relationship between anxious/avoidant attachment and daily romantic relationship quality using an ambulatory assessment, the relationship between anxious and avoidant attachment and overall romantic relationship quality/stability using a longitudinal survey, and the mediating effect of perceived conflict between the above relationship. A total of 164 emerging adults were recruited to complete the study. Anxious/avoidant attachment were measured at baseline. Daily perceived conflict and daily relationship quality were measured by ambulatory assessment. Overall relationship quality and stability were measured at the longitudinal survey. For the ambulatory assessment, avoidant attachment could predict romantic quality in daily life whereas anxious attachment did not predict daily relationship quality, and perceived conflict mediated above relationship. For the longitudinal survey, anxious/avoidant attachment can predict overall relationship quality. However, the mediating role of overall perceived conflict was not significant. Anxious/avoidant attachment could predict lower relationship stability, and overall perceived conflict mediated above relationship. The findings indicated that insecure attachment had direct negative associations with romantic relationship quality/stability during emerging adulthood. Perceived conflict as a mechanism is more likely to work dynamically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borderline personality (BP) is an understudied risk factor for dating violence. Based on indications that BP may be an important predictor in non-clinical samples, this study explored theoretically derived pathways in the etiology of college student dating violence (CDV) through BP. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 783 college students from a large Midwestern American university. Participants completed a paper-and-pencil survey that included measures of CDV, childhood maltreatment, maternal relationship quality, attachment insecurity and BP. A fully recursive path model was estimated using the maximum likelihood estimator in Mplus 7.4 to simultaneously examine the pathways to CDV perpetration and victimization. One quarter of the sampled college students reported perpetrating and/or experiencing dating violence in the year prior to the study, with a large proportion of these participants (85%) indicating that they were both perpetrators and victims. BP was positively associated with both CDV perpetration (β =.17; p ≤.01) and victimization (β =.20; p ≤.01). Results showed that a lower quality of relationship with one's mother while growing up was strongly associated with the risk of CDV through developmental pathways involving attachment insecurity and BP. While these findings would not be surprising in a clinical sample of batterers, they are particularly interesting in the context of a non-clinical, generally well-adjusted sample of college students that typically involve less severe forms of situational couple violence. Future research on the etiology of situational couple violence, including CDV, should consider the role of BP and its antecedents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exposure of children and adolescents to trauma is one of the most important public health challenges. These childhood experiences play a role in children's attachment patterns with their parents and peers. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between exposure to trauma and the degree of attachment representations in school-aged children in Burundi. One hundred thirteen vulnerable children aged 7 to 12 years were recruited and referred by their teachers. We used an event list including the post-traumatic reaction index to measure their exposure to traumatic events and the People in My Life instrument to measure attachment representations. The results revealed that the children had experienced or witnessed at least one traumatic event. The results indicated that secure attachment representations were highest among children with their parents and lowest among children with their peers. The relationship between trauma experiences and children's attachment representations was significant with their parents and with their peers. Children's attachment representations with their parents and peers predicted their traumatic experiences. Future research should focus on how attachment relationships can facilitate counselors and clinicians in providing preventive psycho-education to adults and children to develop healthier functioning, through better knowledge of the complex interplay between traumas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the correlation between Avoidant and Anxious Attachment Styles and Social Anxiety, contributing to a deeper understanding of these interconnected factors among undergraduate students. Methodology: Convenient Sampling was used to recruit 350 participants aged 18-26 from Forman Christian College (FCCU) in Lahore, Pakistan. The study administered the Revised Adult Attachment Scale (R-AAS) for close relationships and the Social Anxiety Scale (SAS). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS v.20, with Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient, Simple Linear Regression, and Independent Sample t-Test applied. Findings: A statistically significant positive correlation was found between Anxious Attachment Style and Social Anxiety. Anxious Attachment Style was revealed to positively predict 19% variance in Social Anxiety with p value

This study examined the effect of physical maltreatment on online gaming disorder and investigated the mediating role of insecure attachment in the aforementioned relationship. Further, multi-group analysis was conducted aiming to explore whether the pathways in the conceptual model were significantly different across the groups of adolescents from single and non-single child families. Based on a multi-stage random cluster sampling method, a total of 2001 adolescents aged 12–18 years (51.3 % boys and 48.7 % girls) was obtained from Hebei Province, China. We used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and multi-group analysis in SEM for data analyses.The results showed that physical abuse was directly associated with online gaming disorder (B=0.139, β = 0.107, p < 0.01, 95 % CI [0.063, 0.218]). Only anxious attachment mediated the relationship between physical abuse and online gaming disorder (B=0.069, β = 0.053, p < 0.001, 95 % CI [0.045, 0.098]), and between physical neglect and online gaming disorder (B=0.025, β = 0.029, p < 0.001, 95 % CI [0.015, 0.038]). The results of multi-group analysis suggested the significant difference in the pathway coefficients between the two groups. Significant difference was observed in the specific structural pathway between physical neglect and anxious attachment (CRD= − 2.851, p < 0.05), with the effect being stronger for adolescents from single child families (B=0.248, β = 0.279, p < 0.001, 95 % CI [0.176, 0.392]) compared with those from non-single child families (B=0.115, β = 0.137, p < 0.001, 95 % CI [0.073, 0.199]). The findings suggest the indirect influencing mechanism of insecure attachment in the relationship between physical maltreatment and online gaming disorder. The results of the multi-group analysis require future practitioners to evaluate the family conditions of siblings when intervening in online gaming disorder of adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]