Attachment styles and secure base priming in relation to emotional reactivity after frustration induction

Annemiek Karreman*, Ad J. J  M Vingerhoets, Marrie H. J Bekker

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

In two experimental studies, we explored the role of attachment in predicting emotional reactivity after frustration induction. In the first study, using a cognitive frustration task, we examined in a college sample (N = 134) how attachment styles related to the experience and expression of emotions after frustration induction. In the second study, we investigated in college students (N = 198) the effect of conscious priming of the secure base schema on mood disturbance after the performance of a cognitive frustration task. Results showed that individuals experienced and expressed emotions after frustration induction independent of their attachment styles. Conscious priming of the secure base script attenuated self-reported emotional reactivity after frustration induction independent of individuals’ attachment styles. These findings suggest that the mechanism of attachment-related emotional reactivity might not pertain to frustration during an unsolvable cognitive task, but that the activation of the sense of having a secure base is useful in reducing mood disturbance in the context of a frustrating performance task.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)428-441
Number of pages14
JournalCognition and Emotion
Volume33
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Apr 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Attachment styles
  • emotional reactivity
  • emotions
  • frustration
  • secure base schema

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