The Dual Function Model of Attachment Security Priming: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Evidence

Ai, Ting; Gillath, Omri; Karantzas, Gery C.

doi:10.3390/ijerph17218093

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The Dual Function Model of Attachment Security Priming: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Evidence

Ting Ai

^1,*,

Omri Gillath

and

Gery C. Karantzas

Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA

Department of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne 3125, Australia

Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 8093; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218093

Received: 8 August 2020 / Revised: 27 October 2020 / Accepted: 29 October 2020 / Published: 3 November 2020

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fostering Attachment Security)

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Abstract

According to attachment theory, security providing attachment figures fulfill two main functions: (1) safe haven—providing safety and comfort and reducing stress—helping people regain a sense of security; and (2) secure base—providing resources and a base from which people can spring into action. According to the Dual Function of Security Priming Model, security priming can result in one of two outcomes paralleling these two functions. Which outcome is likely to present itself depends on the level of stress imposed by the context. Here we describe the Dual Function Model of Security Priming (DFSP) Model and provide evidence from a study examining the effects of attachment security priming on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity. In the study, participants were exposed to security-related cues under high or low/no-stress conditions, while their salivary cortisol concentrations were measured. Cortisol is a suitable index as it is released not only in response to stress, but also more generally when energy needs to be mobilized. We found that while security priming led to significant decreases in salivary cortisol concentrations when presented after a stressor (stress reduction), it led to a significant increase in salivary cortisol concentrations when presented before the stressor (energy mobilization). View Full-Text

Keywords: attachment security; priming; salivary cortisol; dual function model

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MDPI and ACS Style

Ai, T.; Gillath, O.; Karantzas, G.C. The Dual Function Model of Attachment Security Priming: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Evidence. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 8093. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218093

AMA Style

Ai T, Gillath O, Karantzas GC. The Dual Function Model of Attachment Security Priming: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17(21):8093. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218093

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ai, Ting, Omri Gillath, and Gery C. Karantzas. 2020. "The Dual Function Model of Attachment Security Priming: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Evidence" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 21: 8093. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218093

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