ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ATTACHMENT STYLES AND EMOTIONAL REGULATION STRATEGIES: A STUDY ON NON-CLINICAL ADOLESCENTS SAMPLE

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the predictive association of different attachment styles with emotional regulation strategies i.e., cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression among adolescents. On the basis of literature review it was assumed that :a) There would be a predictive association between secure attachment style and cognitive reappraisal in adolescents. b) There would be a predictive association between insecure attachment styles (i.e., fearful attachment style, preoccupied attachment style and dismissing attachment style) with expressive suppression in adolescents.

Design of the study: Correlational Research Design

Place and Duration of Study: Different Public and Private sector educational institutes of Karachi- Pakistan, from 2016 to 2018.

Sample and methods: 411 adolescents (Males=214, Females=197) age ranges between 13-19 years (M= 16 years, SD= 1.7) were recruited using purposive sampling technique. Self-developed Socio-Demographic Form, Attachment Style Questionnaire and Emotional Regulation Questionnaire were administered in group settings. The technique of counter balancing was also applied

Results and Conclusion: The Finding Indicates That Secure Attachment Style Significantly Predicts Cognitive Reappraisal As An Emotional Regulation Strategy In Adolescents Causing 13.5 % Variation. Whereas Insecure Attachment Styles I.E., Fearful, Preoccupied And Dismissing Attachment Styles Significantly Predict The Use Of Expressive Suppression Explaining 4 %, 14.7 % And 10 % Changes In Expressive Suppression Scores, Respectively. It Is Concluded That Secure Attachment Style Has A Role In Promoting Healthy Emotion Regulation Strategies In Adolescents And Preoccupied, Fearful And Dismissing Attachment Styles Have A Role In Increasing Maladaptive Emotional Regulation Strategies In Adolescents.