An investigation into the relationships between adult attachment dimensions and information processing

Literature review: This systematic review synthesised and critically evaluated 34 studies, which had investigated the relationships between adult attachment dimensions and attentional processes, to test theoretical assertions of attachment-related differences in information processing. Specifically, empirical data were examined to investigate the evidence for the hyperactivating and deactivating strategies associated with attachment anxiety and avoidance, respectively. Results showed mixed empirical support for these strategies and the authors’ offered different interpretations of similar data patterns. Further methodological limitations are discussed, such as predominant recruitment from student populations, as are implications for clinical practice and future research.

Research report: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the indirect effect of schizotypy characteristics on the relationships between adult attachment dimensions and cognitive flexibility, within a parallel mediator model. The relationships between adult attachment dimensions and schizotypy characteristics were also examined, and this study was the first to include a dimensional measure of attachment disorganisation in adulthood. Four-hundred-and-nine university students completed three online questionnaires of adult attachment dimensions and schizotypy characteristics. Subsequently, 48 of these participants agreed to complete a laboratory-based cognitive switching task, to measure attachment-related differences in cognitive flexibility. Results showed that conditions were not met for mediation analyses and therefore the parallel mediator model was not confirmed. However, attachment anxiety was strongly correlated with cognitive disorganisation, whereas attachment avoidance was strongly correlated with introvertive anhedonia. The relationships between attachment disorganisation and schizotypy were less specific. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed as are key methodological limitations, such as small number of participants for mediation analyses.