Temporal Dynamics Between State Attachment Security, Avoidance, and Anxiety

Insights into Everyday Attachment System Functioning

Datos Bibliográficos

ID21454313
AutoresJaakko Tammilehto (0000-0002-6920-4322, Tampere University, autor de correspondencia), Aleksandra Kaurin (0000-0002-8687-4395, University of Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany), Peter Kuppens (0000-0002-2363-2356, KU Leuven), Guy Bosmans (0000-0001-9057-6027, KU Leuven), Mervi Vänskä (0000-0002-7412-5012, Tampere University), Marjo Flykt (0000-0003-0874-4357, Tampere University), Kirsi Peltonen (0000-0002-5112-3823, University of Turku), Jallu Lindblom (0000-0003-4636-1226, Tampere University)
Año2026
Volumen52
Número8
Páginas2382-2398
Fecha de publicación2026-08-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0146-1672 • E-ISSN: 1552-7433
EditorialSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/01461672251333472
PMID40396595
OpenAlexW4410564286
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas49

The attachment system regulates behavior to maintain security and cope with insecurities. Although this necessitates the coordination of different attachment states, research on state-level dynamics is scarce. We used data from two ecological momentary assessment studies ( N s = 122 and 127) to examine cross-lagged effects between state attachment security, avoidance, and anxiety. We hypothesized dampening effects between the secure and insecure states. Furthermore, we expected trait-level attachment to moderate the state-level dynamics. Attachment states were assessed seven or ten times daily over a week. Trait attachment was assessed using the Experiences in Close Relationships–Revised. Results showed that state security predicted decreased state avoidance and anxiety. Evidence also emerged for state avoidance predicting decreased security. Trait attachment showed no expected moderation effects on the state-level dynamics. Our study underscores the predominance of security over insecurities, suggesting that the functioning of the everyday attachment system centers on fluctuations in the sense of security

Anxiety · Attachment theory · Developmental psychology · Dynamics (music) · Insecure attachment · Moderation · Trait · Trait anxiety · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Mental Health Research Topics · Psychology · Social Psychology