ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΟΣ ΠΑΝΟΥΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ

Panousopoulos E., D. (2014). Experiential Avoidance and Adult Attachment Dimensions: Exploring Individual Differences in Experiential Avoidance from an Attachment Perpspective. Unpublished manuscript, available online at Research Gate.net 

Abstract

In the present paper an examination of the relations between adult attachment dimensions and the psychological construct of experiential avoidance is attempted. Previous research provides evidence suggesting that experiential avoidance and insecure attachment styles may share a common range of maladaptive self-regulatory strategies when dealing with distress.A sample of 42 adults completed the Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (MEAQ) and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised Questionnaire (ECR-R). Results show preliminary evidence indicating that insecure attachment is positively associated with elevated levels of experiential avoidance. However, attachment-related anxiety appeared to be more closely related with the construct, as compared with attachment-related avoidance. Furthermore, present study’s findings showed that variations in attachment dimensions are linked with different qualitative manifestations of experiential avoidance. Finally, results are discussed in terms of the specific mental representations, emotion regulation and coping strategies characterizing people with different attachment orientations. 

Keywords: attachment dimensions, attachment-related anxiety, attachment-related avoidance, experiential avoidance