Mediationg Role of Mindfulness as a Trait Between Attachment Styles and Depressive Symptoms

ABSTRACT

Attachment styles and dysfunctional symptoms have been associated. This relationship could be affected by metacognitive capacity. The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between depressive symptoms, attachment styles, and metacognitive capacity. In addition, the mediating role of metacognition between attachment and depressive symptoms has been studied. A total of 505 participants recruited from the general population of the province of Bizkaia (Spain) completed questionnaires regarding depression, anxiety, mindfulness, decentering, and attachment. Results showed positive and significant relations between (a) dysfunctional symptoms and insecure attachment styles and (b) metacognitive capacity and secure attachment style. Additionally, the mediating role of metacognition between attachment and depressive symptoms was confirmed. Intervention in metacognitive abilities such as mindfulness could be a useful therapeutic tool for depressive symptoms.

KEYWORDS:

• Attachment
• depression
• metacognition
• mindfulness

Funding

This research was supported by a grant from the University of Deusto's “Ayuda Predoctoral de Formación de Personal Investigador No Doctor (FPI).”

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Leticia Linares

Leticia Linares is a psychotherapist and a Ph. D. in Psychology. Her research interests are attachment, mentalization, and emotional processes such as metacognition and psychopathology, specifically borderline personality disorders.

Paula Jauregui

Paula Jauregui is a predoctoral researcher at the University of Deusto. Her current research interests are addictive behaviors, cognitive, and emotional processes such as metacognition and emotion regulation, and emotional disorders.

David Herrero-Fernández

David Herrero-Fernández is lecturer at the University of the Basque Country. His research interests are psychophysiology of emotions, risk perception processes, and psychology of driving and methodology.

Ana Estévez

Ana Estévez is senior lecturer of Psychology at the Department of Personality, Psychological Assessment and Treatment of the University of Deusto. Her research interests are addictive behaviors, cognitive and emotional processes, and early maladaptive experiences.