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Attachment processes in eating disorder and depression
1Department of Psychology, University of Delaware, Newark 19716, USA.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|April 1, 1996
Summary
College women with hyperactivating attachment styles report more depressive symptoms, while those with deactivating styles report more eating disorder symptoms. Attachment strategies influence symptom expression.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Attachment Theory
Background:
- Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding interpersonal relationships.
- Individual differences in attachment strategies may influence psychological distress and symptom presentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between adult attachment strategies and the reporting of depressive and eating disorder symptoms in college women.
- To explore how different attachment strategies relate to specific forms of psychological symptom expression.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-one college women with varying levels of depressive and eating disorder symptoms were recruited.
- The Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) was used to assess attachment strategies.
- Attachment Interview Q-Sort was employed to rate interview transcripts.
Main Results:
- Women exhibiting hyperactivating attachment strategies were more likely to report elevated depressive symptoms.
- Women with deactivating attachment strategies showed a tendency towards reporting elevated eating disorder symptoms, even when controlling for depression.
- Findings suggest a link between specific attachment strategies and distinct symptom profiles.
Conclusions:
- Secondary or defensive attachment strategies are associated with differential patterns of symptom manifestation.
- Attachment styles play a role in the development and reporting of psychological symptoms, including depression and eating disorders.
- Understanding these relationships can inform clinical interventions for individuals with attachment-related distress.