An empirical study of attachment dimensions and mood disorders in inpatient substance abuse clients: The mediating role of spirituality

Abstract

Adult attachment style has been related to both spirituality and psychopathology. This study aimed to test the possible mediating role of two dimensions of spirituality (purpose and meaning in life and perceived relationship with God/higher power) between two attachment dimensions (anxiety and avoidance) and three mood disorders (major depressive disorder, dysthymia and bipolar). In total, 305 clients receiving inpatient substance abuse treatment completed a battery of self-report questionnaires. Path analyses revealed negative associations between the anxiety attachment and all the mood disorders. No significant associations were found for attachment avoidance and the mood disorders. Results also indicated negative associations between the two attachment dimensions and purpose and meaning in life. Concerning the perceived relationship with God/higher power, attachment avoidance was the only dimension that showed a significant negative association. Mediating effects of meaning in life and the perceived relationship with God/higher power were found between both attachment dimensions and two of the mood disorders: major depressive disorder and dysthymia. Further analyses of the mediating effects revealed that purpose and meaning in life was the factor accounting for the mediating effects. Clinical implications and future direction for research were discussed.

Keywords:

• Attachment dimensions
• spirituality
• mediating effect
• depressive disorders
• substance use disorders

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.