__smbhome.uscs.susx.ac.uk_ellenaj_Desktop_SRO_after august_Manuscript_BJP_1406118_resolved_corrected (1).pdf (298.19 kB)
Priming attachment security improves attitudes towards a range of therapies
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 14:01 authored by Abigail Millings, Katherine B Carnelley, Kate CavanaghKate Cavanagh, Anna Wilderspin, Hannah Wiseman, Angela C RoweWe sought to understand how attachment orientation influenced attitudes towards different types of psychological therapies. In 2 studies, we i) examined attachment orientation as a predictor of attitudes towards different therapies; and ii) tested whether attachment security priming could improve attitudes. Study 1 (n=339) found associations between attachment orientation and attitudes towards, and likelihood of using different therapies. Positive and negative attitudes about different therapies mediated the relationship between attachment avoidance and likelihood of use. Study 2 (n=412) showed that primed security (versus neutral-prime) improved attitudes towards relational, non-relational and distanced-relational therapies for those with a fearful-avoidant attachment orientation. For relational and distanced-relational therapies, the mechanism of this effect was increased cognitive openness. Attachment orientation is a determinant of therapy attitudes and anticipated help-seeking behaviour. Priming security may promote open-minded decision making about some therapies. Findings are discussed with relevance to attachment theory, research and clinical practice.
Funding
Applying relationship science in contemporary interventions; G1249; ESRC-ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RESEARCH COUNCIL; ES/L001365/1
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
British Journal of PsychologyISSN
0007-1269Publisher
WileyExternal DOI
Issue
1Volume
110Page range
15-39Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2018-07-02First Open Access (FOA) Date
2019-07-08First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-06-29Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedLicence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC