Attachment style in adulthood: Attachment style moderates the impact of social support on depressive symptoms

Abstract

Introduction: Research on adult attachment has flourished over the last two decades. Despite this, only one theoretical model has been proposed to outline how the attachment system works in adulthood: the model of attachment system activation and functioning in adulthood proposed by Mikulincer and Shaver. The current study tested one prediction drawn from this model, namely that attachment style would moderate the association between social support and depressive symptoms. Method: The study included a nonclinical sample of 419 adults between the ages of 18 and 84 ( Mage = 39.64 years, SD = 19.61). Participants completed a survey containing measures of attachment, perceived social support, depressive symptoms, and demographic information. Results: A model in which attachment was predicted to moderate the relationship between perceived social support and depressive symptoms was tested. Although both avoidant and anxious attachment were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, the interaction between social support and insecure attachment style differed. Higher levels of social support were significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms among anxiously attached individuals, but not among avoidant individuals. Discussion: The study supports the model proposed by Mikulincer and Shaver. Attachment style acts as a moderator of the association between perceived social support and depressive symptoms. The results further underscore differences between anxiously and avoidantly attached individuals.