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Anxiety Sensitivity Mediates Relations Between Attachment and Aggression Differently by Gender.
Margo C Watt1,2, Catherine E Gallagher1, Marie-Eve Couture2
1St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|January 4, 2018
Summary
Anxiety sensitivity mediates the link between attachment styles and aggression in undergraduates. Gender influences how anxiety sensitivity dimensions relate to aggression, impacting men and women differently.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Attachment theory explains interpersonal relationship patterns.
- Anxiety sensitivity (AS) involves fear of anxiety-related sensations.
- Aggression can be a coping mechanism for negative emotions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating role of AS in the relationship between attachment dimensions and aggression.
- To explore gender as a moderator in these associations.
- To identify specific AS dimensions and aggression types involved.
Main Methods:
- Survey research with 1,042 undergraduate participants.
- Utilized validated measures: ECR-R (attachment), AQ & IPAS (aggression), ASI-3 (AS).
- Statistical analyses to examine mediation and moderation effects.
Main Results:
- AS dimensions significantly mediated the link between attachment (anxiety and avoidance) and most aggression forms.
- Gender moderated these relationships, with specific AS dimensions playing unique roles.
- Cognitive concerns mediated for men; physical/social concerns for women; no AS mediation for men's physical aggression.
Conclusions:
- Anxiety sensitivity is a key factor linking insecure attachment to aggression.
- Understanding gender-specific pathways is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Findings inform clinical approaches to managing aggression and emotional distress.
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