Attachment Strength and Relationship Expectancies in the Prediction of Adolescent Stress and Depression

Abstract

Interpersonal relationships are the recent focus of research identifying protective factors in adolescent psychological health. Using an attachment theory perspective, this study examines the relationship of normative attachment strength and individual differences in attachment expectancies on self-reports of depression and stress in 511 Australian high school students. Attachment reorganisation was demonstrated, but only father attachment uniquely predicted self-reported stress. Age moderated the relationships between peers and depression and stress among romantically involved adolescents. Individual differences in attachment styles, particularly anxious attachment, were most predictive of adolescent psychological health. These findings highlight the complexity of adolescent attachment relationships and suggest that interventions target both normative and individual factors in adolescent development to enhance adolescent psychological health.

Stressful life events and adolescent well‐being: The role of parent and peer relationships

“…With such research demonstrating that exposure to stressors can lead to negative health outcomes (e.g., Compas, 1987;DeLongis et al, 1988;Thapar, Collishaw, Pine, & Thapar, 2012;Thoits, 2010), and given the significant role that self-concept plays in overall psychological well-being, it is important to understand the mechanisms by which this occurs. Often, one potential pathway used to explain this association is social relationships (House, Landis, & Umberson, 1988;Cohen, 2004;Goh & Wilkinson, 2017); however, the quality of these relationships are often overlooked as an important factor, particularly among adolescents. In fact, despite adolescents increased vulnerability to stressful events, the psychological and social pathways behind this association are not yet entirely understood (Low et al, 2012).…”

Attachment relationships and psychological distress in young adults: The mediating role of self-esteem

“…Comparing the two mediation models, the overall findings indicate insecurity within attachment relationships as potential risk factor directly and through self-esteem for psychological distress in young adults, supporting and expanding relevant theoretical and empirical realm (Goh and Wilkinson, 2017;Imran et al, 2020a;Wadman et al, 2019). Interestingly, for both independent variables, primary and secondary attachment, partial mediation models were supported which perhaps point to the fact that there are other potential mediators (such as self-criticism; Cantazero and Wei, 2010) not considered in this study, suggesting complex attachment patterns in young adulthood.…”

Punicalagin’s Protective Effects on Parkinson’s Progression in Socially Isolated and Socialized Rats: Insights into Multifaceted Pathway

“…It is noteworthy that social isolation (SI) serves as a prominent neurological stressor [28,29]. SI can potentially disrupt vital physiological processes, including neuronal connectivity, neuroplasticity, and stress response mechanisms [30].…”

“…Prior research has established a link between SI and reduced brain volumes, implying neuronal loss that correlates with neurodegenerative disorders [31]. SI also increases the risk of mental health problems, including depression, memory impairment and anxiety [28,29]. Also, the risk of neurodegenerative diseases can be reduced through maintaining strong social engagements and avoiding SI-mediated psychological stress.…”