Link of dysfunctional attitudes with the negative self-model

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Attachment Theory

Background:

• Beck's cognitive theory links depression to dysfunctional attitudes from negative experiences.
• Bowlby's attachment theory connects insecure attachment to distorted working models and psychopathology, including depression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine correlations between dysfunctional attitudes (achievement, dependency, self-control) and working models of self and other.
• To enhance understanding of dysfunctional attitudes through an attachment perspective.

Main Methods:

• The study involved 591 healthy Japanese volunteers.
• Dysfunctional attitudes were assessed using the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale.
• Working models of self and other were measured using the Relationship Scales Questionnaire.

Main Results:

• All dysfunctional attitude subscales (achievement, dependency, self-control) negatively correlated with the self-model score.
• Dependency attitudes positively correlated with the other-model score.
• Achievement and self-control attitudes negatively correlated with the other-model score.

Conclusions:

• Dysfunctional attitudes are generally associated with a negative self-model stemming from negative attachment experiences.
• The specific content of dysfunctional attitudes relates to differential correlations with the other-model, indicating nuanced attachment influences.