Attachment and compassion-threat: Influence of a secure attachment-prime

Abstract

Objectives: The present paper proposed and tested a methodology for reducing individual's threat response to compassion-imagery, by increasing their levels of state attachment-security. Design: A total of 68 University students (63% female, mean age = 25) completed an experimental study, where they were randomly assigned to either a 10-min attachment-prime (to enhance attachment-security) or an interpersonal skills module (control condition). Methods: Participants completed a compassion-focused imagery exercise before and after the manipulation, to determine the effects of the attachment-prime. To measure the effects of the manipulation on individual's threat response, heart rate variability data were collected at baseline and during both compassion exercises. Results: As predicted, individuals who reported higher levels of anxious and avoidant attachment styles were more likely to display a threat response (decreases in heart rate variability), to the first compassion-focused imagery. After receiving an attachment-prime, heart rate variability increased suggesting that individual's experienced greater self-soothing responses and decreased threat responses to the second compassion-focused imagery. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that individuals with insecure attachments are likely to require additional support increasing their attachment-security, before they can successfully engage in compassion-based exercises or therapies. Practitioner points: Compassion-based exercises may result in fear and consequently avoidance in some populations of individuals. Threat responses to compassion can be reduced by using attachment-based techniques. Research findings will help inform and broaden the clinical applicability of compassion-based therapies.