Attachment and barriers to cervical screening

Abstract

The present study explored the role of attachment insecurity in cervical screening behaviors and barriers in a sample of 257 female undergraduates. Information on attachment dimensions as well as attachment style was collected. Attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were associated with decreased likelihood of having participated in cervical screening and positively associated with screening barriers. Screening barriers were elevated among individuals with insecure attachment styles (preoccupied, fearful, and dismissing), and dismissing participants were less likely to have engaged in screening compared to secure participants. Our findings demonstrate that attachment insecurity may be a risk factor for inadequate cervical screening and screening barriers.