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Attachment processes in eating disorder and depression

H Cole-Detke1, R Kobak

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Delaware, Newark 19716, USA.

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|April 1, 1996
PubMed
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.

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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.

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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.