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

    Author(s)
    Baldwin, Sarah
    Bandarian-Balooch, Siavash
    Adams, Rebecca
    Griffith University Author(s)
    Bandarian-Balooch, Sia
    Adams, Rebecca J.
    Baldwin, Sarah
    Year published
    2019
    Metadata
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    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 ...
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    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.
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    Journal Title
    Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice
    Volume
    93
    Issue
    3
    DOI
    https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12244
    Subject
    Psychology
    Cognitive Sciences
    Social Sciences
    Science & Technology
    Life Sciences & Biomedicine
    Psychology, Clinical
    Psychiatry
    Publication URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/10072/397446
    Collection
    • Journal articles

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