Date of Award

6-2011

Document Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Joshua Hart

Language

English

Keywords

anxiety, depression, attachment, self-esteem, mental disorder

Abstract

Previous studies regarding the relationship between attachment anxiety and depression and the mediating roles of dysfunctional attitudes and self-esteem have been correlational in nature. The current study used an experimental design to look at these relationships. Attachment style was determined using a shortened version of the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, and then either secure attachment, anxious attachment, or a control of grocery shopping was primed by instructing participants to write about one of the three scenarios. Dysfunctional attitudes were assessed, followed by state self-esteem and then state depression. Multiple regression analyses revealed that trait attachment anxiety and the anxiety prime predict dysfunctional attitudes, which in turn predict state-self esteem. Finally, state-self esteem predicted state depression and rendered previously significant associations between attachment anxiety, avoidance, anxiety priming, dysfunctional attitudes and depression insignificant when included in the analysis.

Download

Share

COinS