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

Emerging adulthood is a pivotal period for romantic relationships, yet the specific mechanisms through which attachment anxiety influences relationship dynamics and psychological outcomes in this phase are poorly understood. Particularly, in the context of romantic dyads, understanding how partners' behaviors and emotional patterns reciprocally influence each other remains underexplored. This study utilizes the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model and Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediator Model to explore the relationship between attachment anxiety,relational aggression (both perpetration and victimization), and depressive symptoms among emerging adults. A sample of 138 mixed-sex emerging adulthood couples from China, was recruited (Mage = 21.40, SD = 2.54; 50% female, 62.6% reporting that this relationship was ongoing for more than a year). Attachment anxiety significantly predicted relational aggression in both partners, with male attachment anxiety also significantly predicted female relational aggression. Significant indirect effects of both partners' relational aggression perpetration and victimization on their own and each other's relationship between attachment anxiety and depressive symptoms. These findings contribute to understanding the intricate dynamics of attachment anxiety and relational aggression in romantic relationships during emerging adulthood, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to mitigate these risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insecure attachment styles, widely recognized as negative predictors in most Western samples, have been found to impair marital satisfaction for individuals high in attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. However, Chinese culture is more tolerant of some features of attachment avoidance, which may lead to different implications of attachment styles for marital relationships. Besides, considering that responses of the partner play a vital role in the interaction of intimate relationships, the current study examined how attachment styles affect marital satisfaction through perceived partner responsiveness (PPR). This study is based on dyadic data from 668 Chinese couples across six marital stages, whose average length of marriage was 15.22 years (ranging from 0.03 to 67.57 years, SD = 13.88). Using the actor-partner interdependence model (APIMeM) to analyze these data, results suggested that: (a) individuals' attachment anxiety was negatively associated with marital satisfaction for both themselves and their partner, and these associations were partially mediated by PPR; (b) PPR was a full mediator of the positive association between individuals' attachment avoidance and their own marital satisfaction; (c) wives' PPR fully mediated the positive association between their attachment avoidance and their partner's marital satisfaction, whereas husbands' PPR partially mediated the positive association between their attachment avoidance and their partner's marital satisfaction. These findings differ from previous studies based on Western samples and advance our understanding of how attachment styles are related to PPR and marital satisfaction in Chinese context, providing practical guidance on marital interactions for people with insecure attachment styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why do some perceive a partner's response as heartening while others interpret the same response as demoralizing? This study examined how attachment anxiety and avoidance influence perceived partner responses toward capitalization attempts (PRCA) and perceived mattering (PM) among married couples (N = 103 dyads). Dyadic analyses delineating the actor and partner effects revealed that wives' attachment avoidance predicted own PRCA, PM, and their husbands' PRCA. Whereas husbands' attachment avoidance predicted own PM and their wives' PRCA and PM, husbands' attachment anxiety predicted only their PRCA and PM. The interaction between wife and husband attachment anxiety also predicted the husbands' PRCA and PM. Husbands, but not wives, perceived the lowest level of PRCA and PM when both couples had high attachment anxiety. The results were discussed in the context of the interplay between attachment orientations and partner responsiveness in Turkish culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionIncreased sensitivity to internal and external stimuli, known as sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS), has been linked to attachment insecurity and less optimal parenting styles in parents of children aged 4–13 years. Associations between these parenting factors in parents of children aged 3 years and younger have not yet been investigated. Understanding the relationships between these factors will facilitate the development of strategies to better support highly sensitive parents.A sample of 153 parents of children aged 3 years and younger completed an online survey comprising standardised measures of SPS, attachment, and infant parenting styles. The underlying factor structure of the Infancy Parenting Styles Questionnaire was investigated.Factor analysis identified 33 items loading onto five factors: Discipline, Routine, Anxiety, Nurturance, and Involvement, with moderate to high reliability. SPS was positively correlated with parenting anxiety, attachment anxiety, and attachment avoidance, but did not predict parenting style. Younger parent age was associate with more insecure attachment styles. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that variability in parenting anxiety was predicted only by attachment anxiety and having fewer children.While SPS was not seen to predict parenting anxiety, relationships between SPS, parenting anxiety, and insecure attachment suggest that strategies tailored to SPS would support highly sensitive parents to care for their children and promote improved parent–child relationships. These strategies may therefore be a beneficial addition to attachment-based parenting programs. Further studies using the Toddler Parenting Styles Questionnaire (TPSQ) are needed to identify optimal parenting styles for parents of infants and toddlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), the concern one is presently absent from a rewarding experience, is an emerging topic in the empirical literature. Though it has been demonstrated that numerous factors including anxiety and depression predict the extent an individual experiences FoMO, more research is needed to understand the inner mechanisms that work between these variables to result in FoMO. One such factor which may mediate the relations of anxiety and depression on FoMO is the need to belong (NTB). The goal of the current research aims to evaluate if NTB mediates the relationship of anxiety and depression with FoMO. In addition, we aimed to detect if attachment anxiety mediates the relationship of anxiety and FoMO. Lastly, the current study evaluated if attachment anxiety mediates the relationship between NTB and FoMO. An effective sample of 397 adults from the United States were recruited to complete multiple questionnaires. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test a theoretical model depicting anxiety and depression as predictors of NTB, NTB predicting both attachment anxiety and FoMO, attachment anxiety predicting FoMO, and anxiety predicting attachment anxiety. Our results indicated that NTB was a strong predictor of FoMO, and this effect was mediated by attachment anxiety. Moreover, NTB mediated the influence of depression on FoMO, while attachment anxiety mediated the impact of anxiety on FoMO. The current research outlines that NTB is a key individual difference for why everyone does not uniformly experience FoMO. Limitations and suggestions for future research are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper introduces a theoretical model that addresses the interplay between insecure attachment, internal narratives, and defensive behaviour. Drawing from attachment theory research, we conceptualize the "internalized defensive narrative" (IDN) as a mental representation associated with attachment-insecurity. The model illustrates how the unique IDN associated with attachment-anxiety and attachment-avoidance respectively invoke hyperactivating and deactivating defenses. In clinical contexts, the model's application may possibly contribute to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies that target the root causes of a client's defensive behaviour. By recognizing the IDN as a key factor in the maintenance of the insecure cycle, therapists can potentially help clients gain insights into the psychological mechanisms driving their behaviour and provide them with tools for change, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes for individuals struggling with these issues. Further research is needed to validate and elaborate on the proposed model and its implications for clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) was previously considered an attachment disorder, while emotion dysregulation was thought to potentially be a key characteristic of it. However, this theoretical model was not tested in previous empirical research. In our cross-sectional study, we tested whether emotional regulation (ER) difficulties can be adopted as an explanatory mechanism for the relationships between attachment avoidance and anxiety, as well as CSBD and its most prevalent behavioral presentation—problematic pornography use (PPU). Participants (n = 1002; Mage = 50.49 years, SD = 13.32; men: 50.2%) completed an online survey regarding the investigated variables. In mediation analyses, attachment avoidance and anxiety were treated as simultaneous predictors, ER difficulties as a mediating variable, with CSBD/PPU severity as dependent variables. Emotion regulation difficulties and attachment anxiety had a direct positive effect on both CSBD and PPU. The direct effect of attachment avoidance on PPU was non-significant, and significant for CSBD depending on the measure used. Moreover, all the relationships between both insecure attachment dimensions and CSBD/PPU symptom severity were at least partially mediated by ER difficulties. Our results corroborate the theoretical claim that ER difficulties may be a useful framework for explaining the impact of attachment insecurity on CSBD/PPU. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can contribute to significant health issues in adulthood. Aims: The present study seeks to understand the role of attachment and positive childhood experiences (PCEs) in the association between ACEs, self-rated emotional support and mental health. Methods: An online panel survey gathered data from 4,940 Slovenian adults aged 18 to 75. Simultaneous multiple regression path analysis (PROCESS) was used to test two moderation and mediation models. Results: Results indicate that ACEs were weakly associated with higher rates of anxious attachment and reduced self-rated mental health. Anxious attachment mediated the relation between ACEs and self-rated emotional support and self-rated mental health. PCEs were weakly negatively associated with anxious and avoidant attachment and interacted with ACEs in their effect on emotional support in adulthood. The strongest associations were found in the negative pathways between the two attachment styles (anxious and avoidant), emotional support, and self-rated mental health. Conclusions: These findings can guide (therapeutic) interventions for individuals with a history of child adversity: interventions could focus on addressing insecure attachment, involve a person’s social network as well as recognize and support the potential role of positive childhood experiences as protective factors.

Abstract Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), the concern one is presently absent from a rewarding experience, is an emerging topic in the empirical literature. Though it has been demonstrated that numerous factors including anxiety and depression predict the extent an individual experiences FoMO, more research is needed to understand the inner mechanisms that work between these variables to result in FoMO. One such factor which may mediate the relations of anxiety and depression on FoMO is the need to belong (NTB). The goal of the current research aims to evaluate if NTB mediates the relationship of anxiety and depression with FoMO. In addition, we aimed to detect if attachment anxiety mediates the relationship of anxiety and FoMO. Lastly, the current study evaluated if attachment anxiety mediates the relationship between NTB and FoMO. An effective sample of 397 adults from the United States were recruited to complete multiple questionnaires. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test a theoretical model depicting anxiety and depression as predictors of NTB, NTB predicting both attachment anxiety and FoMO, attachment anxiety predicting FoMO, and anxiety predicting attachment anxiety. Our results indicated that NTB was a strong predictor of FoMO, and this effect was mediated by attachment anxiety. Moreover, NTB mediated the influence of depression on FoMO, while attachment anxiety mediated the impact of anxiety on FoMO. The current research outlines that NTB is a key individual difference for why everyone does not uniformly experience FoMO. Limitations and suggestions for future research are outlined.

Research suggests that mindfulness is positively related to attachment security in romantic relationships. However, studies on the processes underlying this association are relatively scarce. In this longitudinal study, we investigated the mediating role of emotion dysregulation between mindfulness and attachment insecurity. A total of 333 Chinese university students were recruited for three time points, with a 6-month lag between time points, to complete self-report questionnaires of mindfulness, emotion dysregulation, attachment avoidance, and attachment anxiety. Cross-lagged mediation analysis showed that greater mindfulness was indirectly associated with lower attachment anxiety via lower emotion dysregulation, after controlling for age, gender, and autoregressive control variables, indicating emotion dysregulation as a mediator. However, emotion dysregulation did not mediate the longitudinal association between mindfulness and attachment avoidance. The present findings inform researchers of the importance of cultivating mindfulness and emotion regulation to enhance attachment security in romantic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attachment anxiety is expected to motivate people to seek excessive attention, reassurance, and help from their attachment figures. However, prior studies assessing links between attachment anxiety and this hyperactivating support‐seeking strategy have yielded inconsistent results. To advance this literature, the current research focused on the disclosure of negative personal experiences (i.e., disclosure decisions and disclosure strategies), an overlooked step in the support‐seeking process where hyperactivation may occur. Participants (N = 444) reported whether and how they shared up to four recent negative events with up to three attachment figures, and they reported their relationship‐specific attachment toward each figure (to improve measurement precision). Participants were more likely to report sharing negative events with attachment figures to whom they reported greater attachment anxiety, especially when they also perceived low responsiveness in that relationship. Additionally, participants reported that they displayed greater distress, downplayed their personal responsibility more, and emphasized a need for help more when disclosing negative events in relationships with greater attachment anxiety (behaviors that facilitate support receipt and decrease the risk of rejection). This study helps to clarify links between attachment anxiety and support seeking and provides one of the first empirical demonstrations of strategic support seeking in anxiously attached relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotional neglect is a prevalent but often neglected phenomenon in Chinese culture. Based on attachment theory, childhood emotional neglect is a risk factor for insecure attachment and depressive symptoms. However, the specific effect of maternal and paternal emotional neglect on depressive symptoms is not clear yet, and few studies have examined whether parental compensation plays a protective role when we grow up. This study investigated the association between maternal/paternal emotional neglect and depressive symptoms, and explored the mediating role of insecure attachment and the moderating role of parental compensation. A total of 732 youth completed the measures on maternal/paternal emotional neglect, insecure adult attachment, parental compensation, and depressive symptoms. Results showed that maternal emotional neglect was a more robust predictor of depressive symptoms than paternal emotional neglect and showed a significant "unique effect". In addition, attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance mediated the association between maternal emotional neglect and depressive symptoms. Parental compensation moderated the indirect relation between maternal emotional neglect and depressive symptoms via attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. That is, parental compensation played a protective role for those who experienced maternal emotional neglect. This study highlights the connection, communication, understanding, and reconciliation between parents and young adults who have suffered from childhood emotional neglect, and the benefits of further interventions towards depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether spontaneous self-affirmation is associated with better functioning in romantic relationships. For this aim, we conducted a pre-registered study with 335 participants (168 women, 164 men, one trans woman, one non-binary, and one genderqueer woman) cohabiting with their partner for at least one year. Participants responded to scales measuring spontaneous self-affirmation, relationship satisfaction, commitment, intimacy, conflict frequency, conflict resolution styles, and attachment anxiety and avoidance. Results indicated that spontaneous self-affirmation is significantly related to relationship satisfaction, commitment, intimacy, and constructive conflict resolution style of positive problem solving but not conflict frequency and destructive conflict resolution styles (i.e., conflict engagement, withdrawal, and compliance) after controlling for age, education, financial status, and the number of children. Results also showed that spontaneous self-affirmation is associated with relationship satisfaction (but no other indicators of relationship functioning) after controlling for the attachment dimensions of anxiety and avoidance. These results provide the first evidence indicating that spontaneous self-affirmation could be a potential resource for a satisfying relationship but its shared variance with attachment is mostly responsible for its association with relationship functioning indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of the mobile Internet, people increasingly rely on social media posting to fulfill their needs for self-presentation. However, research on the association between social media posting and psychological outcomes has yielded inconsistent results. This study focused on the correlation between posting on WeChat/QQ and loneliness and explored the moderating effects of adult attachment styles based on 410 WeChat/QQ users (Mage = 21.44). The results showed that posting was negatively associated with feelings of loneliness. More importantly, attachment anxiety moderates the association, with the negative association between social media posting and loneliness becoming progressively stronger as participants' attachment anxiety increases. These findings provided practical implications for individuals with high attachment anxiety who are facing interpersonal dilemmas to alleviate loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to explore whether attachment style could predict the fluctuation of weekly mindfulness. A weekly diary design was adopted across one baseline week and five follow-up weeks. Data from 622 Chinese college students were subjected to latent growth modeling. Results showed attachment anxiety negatively predicted the intercept of acting with awareness, present moment attention, and nonjudging while positively predicting the slope of acting with awareness. Attachment avoidance negatively predicted the intercept of acting with awareness and present moment attention and positively predicted the slope of acting with awareness. These suggest that attachment style may impact the fluctuation of weekly mindfulness. Furthermore, both attachment avoidance and anxiety impact the rate of change of acting with awareness across five weeks. These support the idea that compared to securely attached people, insecurely attached people's attention may fluctuate more according to their stress level, shifting between external tasks, other people, or themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising prevalence of short-form video addiction among adolescents has raised researchers' concerns. However, the antecedents of adolescents' short-form video addiction, particularly in relation to the attachments to fathers and mothers, remain inadequately explored. To bridge the gap, this study aimed to explore the relationship between adolescents' attachment anxiety to fathers/mothers and their short-form video addiction, as well as the mediating role of fear of missing out (FoMO) and the moderating role of gender in these associations. The sample was 4,213 Chinese adolescents (2,001 girls; Mage = 16.41, SDage =.77). The single-group path analysis showed that adolescents' attachment anxiety to both fathers and mothers positively correlated with their short-form video addiction, and such positive associations were mediated by adolescents' FoMO. The multiple-group path analysis revealed that adolescent attachment anxiety to fathers directly positively predicted boys' short-form video addiction (but not girls'), whereas adolescents' attachment anxiety to mothers directly positively predicted girls' short-form video addiction (but not boys'). The findings provide innovative insights into how adolescents' attachment anxiety toward parents relates to their short-form video addiction and could guide corresponding interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjective: Previous meta-analyses have shown that client-rated working alliance is negatively correlated with attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. The purpose of this study is to provide an updated meta-analysis of the relation between alliance and the two dimensions of attachment insecurity. Method: Random effects models were used to examine the relation between the working alliance and attachment anxiety and the relation between the working alliance and attachment avoidance. Results: The overall relation between alliance and attachment anxiety was r = −.09 (p = .01, k = 33, I2 = 43.7%). The overall relation between alliance and attachment avoidance was r = −.13 (p < .001, k = 33, I2 = 44.7%). There was no evidence that these relations varied across study characteristics such as client race or the number of therapists in the study. Conclusion: The results support the negative relations between client-rated alliance and both dimensions of client-rated attachment insecurity. Further research is needed to identify the factors that moderate this relationship, using a more diverse sample of study characteristics and a wider range of measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A growing number of studies have reported that problematic social networking use (PSNU) is strongly associated with anxiety symptoms. However, due to the presence of multiple anxiety subtypes, existing research findings on the extent of this association vary widely, leading to a lack of consensus. The current meta-analysis aimed to summarize studies exploring the relationship between PSNU levels and anxiety symptoms, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, attachment anxiety, and fear of missing out. 209 studies with a total of 172 articles were included in the meta-analysis, involving 252,337 participants from 28 countries. The results showed a moderately positive association between PSNU and generalized anxiety (GA), social anxiety (SA), attachment anxiety (AA), and fear of missing out (FoMO) respectively (GA: r = 0.388, 95% CI [0.362, 0.413]; SA: r = 0.437, 95% CI [0.395, 0.478]; AA: r = 0.345, 95% CI [0.286, 0.402]; FoMO: r = 0.496, 95% CI [0.461, 0.529]), and there were different regulatory factors between PSNU and different anxiety subtypes. This study provides the first comprehensive estimate of the association of PSNU with multiple anxiety subtypes, which vary by time of measurement, region, gender, and measurement tool.

Previous literature has given significant insights into how insecure attachment styles which include attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance affect relationship satisfaction. Higher attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance higher would-be Fear of Intimacy which lead to decreased relationship satisfaction. The present study investigated the relationship between insecure adult attachment styles, fear of intimacy, and relationship satisfaction in 200 Indian adults in the age group 18 to 25 who are currently in romantic relationships. Data was analyzed using correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. The correlational analysis revealed significant relationships among the variables. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant results where fear of intimacy influenced relationship satisfaction. These findings suggest that insecure adult attachment, fear of intimacy, and relationship satisfaction are related and fear of intimacy predicts relationship satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School bullying victimization is a highly concerning issue that can lead to a range of negative outcomes. Despite the research showing a significant association between bullying victimization and complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), the internal mechanisms with its two components (i.e., posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms [PTSD] and disorders of self-organization symptoms [DSO]) remain unclear. Previous studies have indicated that attachment style may influence the development of CPTSD symptoms and that there may be sex differences in attachment styles. Thus, the present study aims to examine the mediating role of insecure attachment between school bullying victimization and CPTSD symptoms in males and females. The study assessed bullying victimization, attachment orientation, and CPTSD (i.e., PTSD symptoms and DSO symptoms) symptoms in 675 college students (65.2% females; Mage = 19.6, SD = 1.34) from China who had reported bullying experiences at two different time points, 6 months apart. For females, school bullying victimization predicted PTSD and DSO symptoms through attachment anxiety and only predicted DSO symptoms through attachment avoidance. For males, we found that school bullying victimization predicted PTSD symptoms through attachment avoidance. These findings suggest that attachment is critical in understanding how school bullying victimization may lead to CPTSD symptoms among individuals of different sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Primary emotion traits and attachment patterns, have been linked to various mental disorders. This study aims to shed more light on the less studied relationship with eating disorder (ED) symptoms. Methods: A total of 921 non-clinical subjects (69.9% females) were assessed for primary emotions traits (B-ANPS-GL), attachment insecurity (ECR-RD8), and eating disorder pathology (EDE-Q8). A theoretically derived model was evaluated by means of a path analysis with attachment anxiety as assumed mediator variable. Results: Global problematic eating behavior showed negative correlations with the positive emotions PLAY, CARE, and LUST (r = -0.10 to -0.24), positive correlations with the negative primary emotions ANGER, FEAR, and SADNESS (r = 0.12-0.27), as well as with attachment anxiety (r = 0.22, all p < 0.01). Path analyses revealed direct effects between eating behavior pathology with LUST (β = -0.07 to -0.15) and FEAR (β = 0.12-0.19; all p < 0.05). The association of SADNESS and Weight (β = 0.05) and Shape Concern (β = 0.06, p < 0.001) was fully mediated by attachment anxiety. Overall, the path model explained 17% of the variance for attachment anxiety and 6% of the Restraint, 13% for Eating, 10% for Weight and 14% for Shape Concern Subscales. Discussion: The findings shed light on the multifactorial relationship between affective traits, attachment security, and eating disorder pathology. In line with previous research, the results emphasize the role of attachment and affective functioning in ED symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of studies have reported that problematic social networking use (PSNU) is strongly associated with anxiety symptoms. However, due to the presence of multiple anxiety subtypes, existing research findings on the extent of this association vary widely, leading to a lack of consensus. The current meta-analysis aimed to summarize studies exploring the relationship between PSNU levels and anxiety symptoms, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, attachment anxiety, and fear of missing out. 209 studies with a total of 172 articles were included in the meta-analysis, involving 252,337 participants from 28 countries. The results showed a moderately positive association between PSNU and generalized anxiety (GA), social anxiety (SA), attachment anxiety (AA), and fear of missing out (FoMO) respectively (GA: r = 0.388, 95% CI [0.362, 0.413]; SA: r = 0.437, 95% CI [0.395, 0.478]; AA: r = 0.345, 95% CI [0.286, 0.402]; FoMO: r = 0.496, 95% CI [0.461, 0.529]), and there were different regulatory factors between PSNU and different anxiety subtypes. This study provides the first comprehensive estimate of the association of PSNU with multiple anxiety subtypes, which vary by time of measurement, region, gender, and measurement tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intelligent customer service avatars are widely used on online public welfare platforms. Interactions with intelligent customer service avatars may influence an individual's online giving behavior. Intelligent customer service avatars are characterized by both formal and behavioral realism dimensions. However, the existing literature focuses on exploring the impact of one of the dimensions of intelligent customer service avatars on individuals' online donation behavior, and less literature focuses on the joint impact of both dimensions of the avatars on individuals' online donation behavior. This paper explores the impact, mechanisms, and boundary conditions of two dimensions of intelligent customer service avatars on online donation behavior. The results of the study indicate that intelligent customer service avatars with high (vs. low) formal or behavioral realism positively influence individuals' online donation behavior, and that intelligent customer service avatars with high formal-high behavioral realism have the greatest positive impact on individuals' online donation behavior. Psychological closeness mediates the above effects. Importantly, the effect of intelligent customer service avatars on individuals' online donation behavior was more significant in the high (vs. low) attachment anxiety group. This study not only has important theoretical implications for the fields of avatar marketing, charitable giving, and consumer attachment style research, but also has important practical implications for promoting the future development and contextual use of intelligent customer service avatars in the charitable sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Transference is a psychological process where feelings and attitudes towards a familiar person are unconsciously redirected to another. This phenomenon can be activated by physical resemblance, including facial features. Despite its potential therapeutic significance, little research has investigated transference processes in individuals with psychiatric conditions. Here, we explored how patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD)--characterized, among other features, by unstable relationships, self-damaging impulsivity, and suicidal ideation--would exhibit transference of negative and positive attributes. Method: We performed an experiment where BPD participants and a control group with no prior psychiatric history completed a face-rating task. The task involved an evaluation of images of strangers who resembled significant others in terms of facial features. Results: Our results indicated that transference effects were elicited in both groups. Notably, there were significant differences in ratings assigned to significant others, whereby participants with BPD displayed transference of negative attributes more and positive attributes less intensely than healthy controls, which, in part, correlated with attachment anxiety. Conclusions: Our findings align with the tendency in BPD to perceive interpersonal relationships and emotions more negatively. They have potential implications for psychotherapeutic approaches in treating patients with BPD and our understanding of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of BPD itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the relationship between insecure attachment (attachment anxiety and avoidance) and depressive symptoms in Chinese young adults as well as the mediating roles of positive and negative self-compassion. Methods: An online survey was administered among college students in mainland China. This involved their completion of questionnaires encompassing socio-demographic details, attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, self-compassion, and depressive symptoms. Results: Attachment anxiety and avoidance exhibited connections with depressive symptoms through increased negative self-compassion and decreased positive self-compassion. Attachment anxiety was associated with depressive symptoms primarily through the mediating effect of negative self-compassion. Conversely, attachment avoidance was related to depressive symptoms mainly through the mediating role of positive self-compassion. Conclusions: Attachment anxiety exerted a slightly stronger influence on negative self-compassion, whereas attachment avoidance exhibited a more prominent impact on positive self-compassion. Despite these differences, both attachment styles were comparable in their overall influence on depressive symptoms. This revelation provides fresh insights into the relationship between insecure attachment and depressive symptoms among young adults, underscoring the importance for intervention program development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1), a hormone receptor essential to the activation of HPA axis and the subsequent release of cortisol, plays critical roles in emotional and behavioral responses relevant to attachment. However, the specific roles of CRHR1 polymorphisms in attachment remain unclear. To further clarify these genetic effects, this research conducted a three-wave study to investigate whether the CRHR1 polymorphisms (i.e., rs110402 and rs242924) are associated with the stability and variability of attachment by using a sample of freshmen (N = 604; Mage = 18.57 years, SD = 1.90; 68.8% girls). The results showed that rs110402 and rs242924 were associated with the stability of closeness-dependence. The G alleles of the both polymorphisms were found not to be related to lower attachment stability. However, these polymorphisms were not associated with the variability of attachment. Overall, these findings provide evidence for the contribution of CRHR1 to attachment stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary and secondary psychopathic traits have been documented in the general population and previous research has shown their link to adult insecure attachment and shame. However, there has been a gap in the literature examining the specific role of attachment avoidance and anxiety, and experiences of shame in the expression of these psychopathic traits. This study aimed to explore the associations between the attachment dimensions of anxiety and avoidance, in addition to characterological, behavioral and body shame with primary and secondary psychopathic traits. A non-clinical sample of 293 adults (M age= 30.77, SD = 12.64; 34% males) was recruited and completed an online battery of questionnaires. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that demographic variables (age and gender) explained the largest variance for primary psychopathic traits, while the attachment dimensions (anxiety and avoidance) explaining the largest variance for secondary psychopathic traits. Characterological shame had a direct and indirect effect on both primary and secondary psychopathic traits. The findings highlight the need to examine psychopathic traits in community samples as a multidimensional construct, with a particular focus on also assessing attachment dimensions and shame subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nomophobia is the fear feeling unable to communicate via mobile phone or the Internet, which is very common in the technical world. The study aimed to explore the effect of neuroticism on nomophobia among Chinese college students, and the chain mediating effect of attachment and loneliness. One thousand two hundred and twenty-eight Chinese college students were surveyed using the Revised Neuroticism Extroversion Openness Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R), Solitude Behavior Scale, Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory (ECR), and Nomophobia Questionnaire, all in Chinese version. Results showed that (1) neuroticism, loneliness, attachment anxiety, and nomophobia were positively correlated with each other. Attachment avoidance was not significantly correlated with neuroticism, loneliness, and nomophobia. (2) Neuroticism directly positively predicted nomophobia. (3) Attachment anxiety and loneliness sequentially played a chain intermediary role in the relationship between neuroticism and nomophobia. (4) At different levels of attachment avoidance, the chain mediating models had differences in the subdimension of nomophobia—losing Internet connection (especially social media). In conclusion, the study revealed that attachment and loneliness played a chain mediating role between neuroticism and nomophobia, providing empirical evidence for future researches and interventions among the college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether two personality traits, attachment anxiety, and the Dark Triad, longitudinally promote stalking behaviors after romantic breakups through psychological maltreatment of partners during relationships and maladjusted reactions to breakups. We conducted a prospective longitudinal study across four waves of assessment for 1 year of individuals in romantic relationships in Japan. They completed measures of attachment anxiety, the Dark Triad, need for control, and psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration at Wave 1, and measures of maladjusted reactions to breakups (i.e., anger and rumination) and stalking behaviors at a wave after breakups. The final sample consisted of 356 participants who were involved in romantic relationships at Wave 1 and left by their partners during the survey period. Correlational analysis showed that the Dark Triad at Wave 1 was significantly positively associated with future stalking behaviors, but attachment anxiety was not. Structural equation modeling showed that attachment anxiety and the Dark Triad increased future stalking behaviors after breakups through psychological IPV perpetration during relationships. Additionally, attachment anxiety increased future stalking behaviors through higher levels of postbreakup anger and rumination. Conversely, we did not find any indirect effects of the Dark Triad on stalking behaviors through these reactions toward breakups. Overall, these results suggest that it is necessary to consider personality traits that could damage intimate relationships and to focus on the quality of romantic relationships to prevent stalking after romantic breakups. These results also indicate that emotion regulation may be useful in preventing stalking caused by attachment anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the intergenerational transmission of attachment framework, this study examines the mediating role of maternal reflective functioning between mother and child attachment orientations (attachment anxiety and avoidance) in middle childhood among mother-child dyads in Poland, the Netherlands, and Turkey. Mothers (N = 758; Mage = 38.5) and their children (Mage = 10.0) separately completed measures of attachment anxiety and avoidance. Mothers also completed the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire. Results of the mediated models showed that the prementalizing dimension of reflective functioning strongly mediated the effects of both mother attachment anxiety and avoidance on child attachment anxiety and avoidance. The mediating power of prementalizing was stronger for attachment anxiety than attachment avoidance, and its effects were stronger for mother-child dyads from Poland and Turkey than those from the Netherlands. Findings are discussed considering the cultural and developmental implications of reflective functioning and the transmission effect. Highlights: The prementalizing dimension of maternal reflective functioning fully mediated the effects of mother attachment on child attachment. The mediating power of prementalizing was stronger for attachment anxiety than attachment avoidance. The effects were stronger for mother-child dyads from Poland and Turkey than those from the Netherlands. Mothers' certainty about mental states dimension of reflective functioning was mainly associated with attachment avoidance. Maternal reflective functioning had powerful effects on child attachment (in)security in middle childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesTo date there is no universally accepted model that describes the development of substance related addictive behavior. In order to address this gap, the study sought to examine whether the association between primary emotions and the inclination toward addictive behavior is mediated by an anxious attachment style.MethodsThe total sample consisted of 900 German speaking non-clinical adults (age: M = 27; SD = 9.60; 71.6% female). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the connection between the primary emotions (SADNESS and ANGER), and the latent variables attachment anxiety and symptoms of addictive behavior.ResultsSubstance use symptomatology was correlated with higher attachment anxiety (r = 0.15), SADNESS (r = 0.15), and ANGER (r = 0.11). The effect of SADNESS on addictive behavior is mediated by attachment anxiety (p

ObjectivesPrimary emotion traits and attachment patterns, have been linked to various mental disorders. This study aims to shed more light on the less studied relationship with eating disorder (ED) symptoms.MethodsA total of 921 non-clinical subjects (69.9% females) were assessed for primary emotions traits (B-ANPS-GL), attachment insecurity (ECR-RD8), and eating disorder pathology (EDE-Q8). A theoretically derived model was evaluated by means of a path analysis with attachment anxiety as assumed mediator variable.ResultsGlobal problematic eating behavior showed negative correlations with the positive emotions PLAY, CARE, and LUST (r = −0.10 to −0.24), positive correlations with the negative primary emotions ANGER, FEAR, and SADNESS (r = 0.12–0.27), as well as with attachment anxiety (r = 0.22, all p < 0.01). Path analyses revealed direct effects between eating behavior pathology with LUST (β = −0.07 to −0.15) and FEAR (β = 0.12–0.19; all p < 0.05). The association of SADNESS and Weight (β = 0.05) and Shape Concern (β = 0.06, p < 0.001) was fully mediated by attachment anxiety. Overall, the path model explained 17% of the variance for attachment anxiety and 6% of the Restraint, 13% for Eating, 10% for Weight and 14% for Shape Concern Subscales.DiscussionThe findings shed light on the multifactorial relationship between affective traits, attachment security, and eating disorder pathology. In line with previous research, the results emphasize the role of attachment and affective functioning in ED symptoms.

This study examined emotion regulation difficulties (i.e., nonacceptance, daily interference, lack of awareness, lack of control, and lack of clarity) as possible mediators of the association between adult attachment and forgiveness in the context of divorce/separation, and the moderating role of sex and joint children. A sample of 1,185 participants completed measures of attachment, emotion regulation difficulties and forgiveness. Results revealed that in the whole sample attachment anxiety was only directly whereas attachment avoidance was indirectly associated with the degree of forgiveness to the ex-partner through lack of awareness. However, multigroup analysis showed that patterns observed in the whole sample are different for men and women having children or not with the ex-partner. The findings of this research show the importance of attachment and emotion regulation difficulties to understand the process of dealing with resentment and hostility towards an ex-partner in the context of divorce/ separation and demonstrate how sex and parenting differences modulate these relations. Among other aspects, the model had a greater explanatory power in people without joint children. In sum. these findings and their implications are discussed and the importance of considering moderating variables when examining forgiveness and other indicators of adjustment to divorce/separation is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds and purpose: Cyberbullying is a globally prevalent social problem that threatens the wellbeing of young people. Despite a rising call for more research focused on cyberbullying victims, our understanding of the psychological and behavioral risk factors associated with cyberbullying victimization (CV) remains limited, especially among the Chinese population. However, such information is crucial for identifying potential victims and planning targeted educational and protective interventions. In this paper, we report an empirical investigation into how attachment anxiety (AA), social media self-disclosure (SMSD), and gender interplay with each other to influence CV. Methods: Cross-sectional survey data from 845 Chinese college students (Female = 635, Mage = 18.7) were analyzed in SPSS PROCESS using Haye's macro with the bootstrap method. Results: Our data support a moderated mediation model. First, SMSD partially mediates the positive relationship between AA and CV, which suggests individuals with high AA tend to engage in risky and excessive self-disclosure behavior on social media, which, in turn, expose them to an increased risk of cyberbullying. Second, gender moderates the direct AA-CV path and the second stage of the mediation path, making the effect of AA on CV appear more direct in males (i.e., not mediated by SMSD) and more indirect (i.e., fully mediated through SMSD) in females. Conclusion: The results contribute to an ongoing endeavor to better understand the psychological and behavioral mechanisms underlying CV and develop effective strategies to identify and protect vulnerable individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the moderating role of consumers' attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance, on the relationship between recovery satisfaction and their behavior after service recovery. This study analyzes the moderating effect of consumers' attachment styles to explain the differences in their behavior after service recovery efforts, which has not been explored previously. Primary data was collected from hand-phone users, and the effect of consumers' attachment styles was examined in the context of the telecommunication sector. Findings indicate that consumers high in attachment anxiety were more likely to repurchase but not to engage in positive word-of-mouth after recovery satisfaction. Attachment avoidance did not impact consumers' behavioral intentions. In addition, the interaction of anxiety and avoidance positively influenced word-of-mouth intentions upon satisfaction with recovery efforts. However, the interaction did not affect repurchase intentions. This study provides insight into how consumer's attachment style influences their positive behavioral intentions after recovery satisfaction. We present segment-specific relationship marketing strategies that can aid service providers in managing service recoveries and minimizing the adverse effects of service failures on customer retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In two studies, we examined the effects of a control threat and attachment orientation on people's preferences for market relationships. In Study 1, experiencing a control threat increased the willingness to seek practical support in the market rather than ask a close person for help among participants with higher attachment anxiety. In a well-powered preregistered Study 2, we replicated these results and demonstrated that they also hold for situations in which emotional support is desired. In addition, we demonstrated that the effect of a control threat on the preference for market-based support is moderated by attachment orientations above the effect of objective and subjective socioeconomic status. The effects we found suggest that people's involvement in market relationships may fulfill important psychological needs, serving as a buffer against attachment insecurities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building upon Gasiorowska and Zaleskiewicz's (2021, 2023), we explored how a control threat and attachment style influence social relationship preferences. This experiment aimed to investigate how experiencing a control threat affects individuals with secure, anxious, and avoidant attachment patterns when they can choose between seeking assistance from the market, asking a close person for help, or coping with the situation alone. Participants with different attachment styles were randomly assigned to either the lack of control condition (n = 290) or the having control condition (n = 277). Individuals with an anxious attachment were more inclined to choose the market-exchange option and less likely to select the agentic and communal options when faced with a control threat. Meanwhile, those with an avoidant attachment exhibited a higher tendency to choose the agentic option, while their preference for noncontingent help decreased after exposure to the control threat. Surprisingly, secure attachment individuals showed an increased preference for noncontingent help and decreased preferences for market exchange and self-reliance when exposed to the control threat compared to when they had control. These findings suggest that participation in market relationships may meet vital psychological needs and serve as a safeguard against attachment insecurities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insecure attachment is thought to impair romantic relationships, presumably also contributing to mental health problems. Previous research has suggested a link to biased automatic processing of social information, potentially reflected in pupil dilation responses. To address this hypothesis, 37 adults were presented with attachment-related, emotional pictures of erotic couples, everyday couples, or interpersonal violence after assessment with the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. Considerable variation in self-reported attachment behaviors regarding both attachment anxiety and avoidance was observed in our sample. Overall, pupil dilation was most pronounced during viewing of erotica and violence-related pictures. Relative to nature pictures as control, attachment avoidance was associated with attenuated pupillary responses to social content. However, this was not significant with erotica. For pictures of violence, this avoidant bias was also evident in reduced subjective arousal. In contrast, attachment anxiety was unrelated to differential pupil dilation. Our findings, although preliminary, suggest that previous attachment-related experiences may bias the processing of social stimuli, which in turn may be reflected in altered patterns of pupillary responses. • Adult attachment patterns were assessed in young adults. • Pupillary responses to social stimuli inversely related to attachment avoidance. • No attenuation of responsivity to erotica by attachment anxiety or avoidance • Avoidant bias also reflected in reduced subjective arousal for violence pictures. • Further evidence for biased processing of social information at an automatic level [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can a person tell whether their romantic partner wants to break up and, if so, how is such accuracy associated with their own attachment anxiety? We examined these questions by proposing and assessing the construct of perceived partner dissolution consideration (PPDC), including its validity. We then assessed the extent to which partners were accurate in their perceptions of each other's dissolution consideration, focusing on the perceiver's attachment anxiety as a potential moderator. Specifically, in two studies involving couples, dyadic analyses of couple data showed that couple members significantly underestimated (negative mean‐level bias) partner dissolution consideration and also projected their own dissolution consideration onto their partners. Couple members higher in anxiety were particularly accurate (tracking accuracy) in their assessments of dissolution consideration. Implications for partner perceptions and judgements of dissolution consideration on relationship functioning are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this pre-registered research, we tested how attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were related to psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. Specifically, we examined the mediating roles of self-compassion and compassionate goals in these associations. Method: Available data were collected online from 513 participants (241 men, 272 women) who were currently in dating relationships in Japan. These participants completed a measure of general romantic attachment styles and, then, brought their current dating partners to mind. Subsequently, they completed measures of compassionate goals, self-compassion, and psychological IPV perpetration and victimization in their current dating relationships. Results: We tested the saturated mediation model in which we treated attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance as predictors, self-compassion and compassionate goals as parallel mediators, and psychological IPV perpetration as an outcome variable. Multiple mediation analyses indicated that low self-compassion mediated the positive associations between attachment anxiety and psychological IPV perpetration, point estimate = 0.006, 95% CI [0.003, 0.010], and between attachment avoidance and psychological IPV perpetration, point estimate = 0.004, 95% CI [0.002, 0.008]. Furthermore, low compassionate goals mediated the positive association between attachment avoidance and psychological IPV perpetration, point estimate = 0.018, 95% CI [0.010, 0.026]. These indirect effects remained significant even when the influence of psychological IPV victimization and covariates, such as participants' sex and relationship characteristics, were considered in the model. Conclusion: Our findings imply that insecure attachment styles may orient people to be less compassionate toward themselves and their relationship partners and, thus, engage in psychological IPV perpetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, we investigated attachment anxiety and interpersonal cognitive distortions as predictors of interpersonal relationship styles. In this context, we conducted this study to describe the relationships between attachment anxiety, interpersonal cognitive distortions, and interpersonal relationship styles, and to explore the mediating role of interpersonal cognitive distortions in the relationship between attachment anxiety and interpersonal relationship styles. A total of 342 adult women, 201 of whom were married (58.8%) and 141 of whom were single (41.2%), participated in the study, which was conducted based on the correlation model. In the study, data collection tools included the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, the Interpersonal Relation Styles Scale, and the Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions Scale. In the study, mediation analyses were conducted, and the results indicated that interpersonal cognitive distortions had a partial mediating role in the relationship between attachment anxiety and interpersonal relationship styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study explored the impact of the association between attachment anxiety and perceived relationship threat on information-seeking in new romantic relationships. Data used for the current study was collected for a larger study and included 62 heterosexual and non-heterosexual couples (n = 124). First, participants completed an online survey, which measured attachment anxiety. Next, the couple came into the lab for a getting-to-know-you task, in which they reported on their own and perceived partner's preferences to 16 relationship topics (e.g., wanting children), and then had the option to view their partner's responses. It was hypothesized that higher levels of perceived relationship threat (i.e., perceived discrepancies in relationship preferences with one's partner) would predict higher levels of information-seeking. Additionally, it was hypothesized that individuals higher in attachment anxiety would engage in more information-seeking by choosing to view more of their partner's self-reported relationship preferences. Lastly, it was hypothesized that attachment style would moderate the association between perceived relationship threat and information-seeking. Consistent with the hypotheses, the results showed a positive association between attachment anxiety and informationseeking, as well as a marginally significant positive association between perceived relationship threat and information-seeking. However, there was no significant interaction between attachment anxiety and perceived relationship threat on informationseeking. These results provide valuable insight into the heightened information-seeking tendencies of those higher in attachment anxiety in early-stage relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insecure attachment is predictive of depression and emotion regulation is largely recognized as a mediator of such association. Despite the ability to refer to the social context to regulate emotions can be considered as a key aspect of depressive dynamics, most studies focused on intrapersonal forms of emotion regulation neglecting its interpersonal forms. In the present study, we investigated the role of interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) as mediator of the association between attachment insecurity and depression. Methods: Data were collected from 630 adults using scales assessing individual differences in the use of IER strategies, IER difficulties, attachment orientations, and depression symptoms. We tested the correlations between the considered variables and, additionally, a latent structural equation model was tested to determine the mediating role of IER in the relationship between attachment (anxiety and avoidance) and depression. Results: Positive associations between the use of IER and anxious attachment, and negative associations with avoidant attachment were found. Depression symptoms were significantly predicted by difficulties in IER (Venting and Reassurance-Seek), but not by IER strategies. The mediation analyses showed that attachment insecurity statistically predicted depression, mediated by IER difficulties. Conclusions: These results account for increasing risk of depression due to a vicious cycle in which anxious attached individuals use venting and reassurance-seek with the aim of decreasing their negative emotions, but reach the opposite result of exacerbating negative moods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of studies have shown that loneliness is a positive predictor of nomophobia (no mobile phobia), but little research has examined the mechanism of this association. Drawing on attachment theory, the present study constructs a moderated mediation model to examine whether smartphone attachment mediates the relation between loneliness and nomophobia and whether this mediating process is moderated by attachment anxiety. A total of 598 college students in China were recruited to complete a questionnaire to measure loneliness, smartphone attachment, attachment anxiety, and nomophobia. A moderated mediation analysis was conducted. Our findings revealed that after controlling for gender, loneliness is positively associated with nomophobia. Meanwhile, smartphone attachment plays a mediating role in the relationship between loneliness and nomophobia. Furthermore, attachment anxiety moderates the mediated path through smartphone attachment, such that an indirect effect is much stronger for individuals with higher attachment anxiety relative to those with low attachment anxiety. The present study provides new insight into the complex processes in the association between loneliness and nomophobia, and the results have important theoretical and practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the personal and relationship costs associated with attachment anxiety, there has been substantial interest in identifying factors that reduce attachment anxiety over time and buffer attachment anxiety in the moment. We integrated the Attachment Security Enhancement Model (ASEM) and the dependency paradox based in attachment theory to derive novel predictions about how perceived partner support predicts attachment anxiety prospectively (one year later) and concurrently. Newlyweds (N = 326) reported their perceptions that their partners support their personal goals (i.e., perceived support for independence needs) and their perceptions that their partners provide reassurance/responsiveness (i.e., perceived support for dependence needs). We found that greater perceived support for personal goals predicted decreases in attachment anxiety over one year only among people who also perceived high partner reassurance/responsiveness, consistent with the idea that support for independence is most effective when partners also support dependence needs. We also observed evidence that this pattern was most pronounced among people with higher attachment anxiety. Regarding concurrent links, we found that perceiving greater partner reassurance/responsiveness predicted lower concurrent attachment anxiety, whereas perceived support for independent goals did not. Together, these findings extend the ASEM by highlighting that attachment anxiety declines over time when partners are perceived to support one's needs for independence and dependence simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided by the attachment theory, this study investigated the interplay between anxiety and avoidance dimensions of attachment to Chinese fathers in early adolescents' internalizing problem behavior. This study further examined whether this association might exhibit an intercultural difference between the Han and Dong-Xiang ethnic groups. A total of 1019 adolescents between 10 and 15 years old (Mage = 12.66, SD = 1.51; 52.8% girls) participated in this study. Participants were uniformly instructed to complete a packet of well-established questionnaires written in simplified Chinese. Based on a hierarchical linear regression, interactive patterns of anxiety and avoidance exhibited an intercultural difference: adolescents with a fearful attachment style reported the highest levels of internalizing problem behavior among the Han, whereas adolescents with a preoccupied attachment style did so among the Dong-Xiang. Through these results, the current study highlights the vital role of attachment to fathers in early adolescents' internalizing problem behavior and emphasizes the interactive patterns between anxiety and avoidance in interpreting the variance of internalizing problem behavior. Further, the results not only have important theoretical implications for the discussion of attachment as a universal or cultural phenomenon, but also highlight practical ways to mitigate early adolescents' internalizing problem behavior. Highlights: Little is known about the relation between attachment to fathers and early adolescents' internalizing problem behavior (IPB). This study examined how the interplay between anxiety and avoidance dimensions of attachment was differentially related to youth's IPB. Adolescents from two ethnic groups (Han and Dong-Xiang) were involved in probing culture-specific research patterns. Han adolescents with fearful attachment style reported the highest levels of IPB. Dong-Xiang adolescents with preoccupied attachment style reported the highest levels of IPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]