Journal of Behavioral Health and Psychology. 2013; 2(4):(84-347)


Adult attachment and emotion regulation: better predictors of subjective or objective health?

Natalie L Tuck, Nathan S Consedine

Abstract

Background: Although patterns of relating – attachments – appear useful in predicting health outcomes, studies are yet to evaluate whether attachment characteristics predict both objective and subjective outcomes equally. Further, although prior work has identified trait emotionality as a contributing factor, the possibility that attachment related differences in emotion regulation are associated with health outcomes has not been investigated. Methods: Between 2002 and 2004, 616 older men and women completed measures of attachment along with demographics, health reports, and measures of emotion regulation. Results: Analysis (conducted in 2012) revealed that both security and fearful avoidance predicted better subjective health, while preoccupied attachment predicted worse subjective and objective health outcomes. Conclusions: Attachment dimensions predicted health even when controlling for demographic factors, but were a better predictor of subjective than objective health outcomes. The inclusion of regulatory factors weakened some links between attachment and health, suggesting that patterns of emotion regulation may play a role in attachment – health links. Directions for future research and implications are discussed.

Most Viewed Article
  • Relationship between Resilience and Perceived Social Support among Male and Female Adolescents
    Shikha Verma
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24071

  • Maternal Object Loss and Feminine Identity: A Single Case Study of a Hysterectomized Nun
    Ndje Ndje Mireille, Dongmo Tetsopguim Chesly Nira, Tsala Tsala Jacques Philippe.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24070

  • Marital Status, Ethnicity, and Cardiovascular Health: A Systematic Literature Review
    Eric Houston, Omar Gonzalez-Valentino, Gaole Song, Justine LaRue Evans.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24069

  • Cognition in MS as a Marker of Disability Progression: Observations from Real Life
    Flavia Mattioli, Chiara Stampatori, Francesca Righetti, Nicola De Rossi, Luca Beretta, Elisabetta Perego, Tiziana Carandini, Teresa Di Fonzo, Laura Ferrè, Claudia Celico, Valentina Miramonti, Elena Verrengia.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24068

  • Unhappiness Is Not a Disease
    Loretta Graziano Breuning
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24067

Most Downloaded
  • Relationship between Resilience and Perceived Social Support among Male and Female Adolescents
    Shikha Verma
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24071

  • Maternal Object Loss and Feminine Identity: A Single Case Study of a Hysterectomized Nun
    Ndje Ndje Mireille, Dongmo Tetsopguim Chesly Nira, Tsala Tsala Jacques Philippe.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24070

  • Marital Status, Ethnicity, and Cardiovascular Health: A Systematic Literature Review
    Eric Houston, Omar Gonzalez-Valentino, Gaole Song, Justine LaRue Evans.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24069

  • Cognition in MS as a Marker of Disability Progression: Observations from Real Life
    Flavia Mattioli, Chiara Stampatori, Francesca Righetti, Nicola De Rossi, Luca Beretta, Elisabetta Perego, Tiziana Carandini, Teresa Di Fonzo, Laura Ferrè, Claudia Celico, Valentina Miramonti, Elena Verrengia.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24068

  • Unhappiness Is Not a Disease
    Loretta Graziano Breuning
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24067