Moderating Effects of Prevention-Focus on the Paths from Two Insecure Attachment Dimensions to Depression

ABSTRACT

The present study investigated the moderating effects of prevention-focus on the paths from the dimensions of insecure attachment (attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety) to depression. Two hundred twenty eight Korean college students completed the Experience in Close Relationship – Revised Scale; the Regulatory Focus Strategies Scale; and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results revealed a significant moderating effect for prevention-focus on the path from attachment avoidance to depression, but not on the path from attachment anxiety to depression. They further suggest that different interventions are needed for different combinations of persons' insecure attachment dimensions and levels of prevention-focus. Counseling implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Attachment anxiety
• attachment avoidance
• depression
• insecure attachment
• moderation

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Notes on contributors

Dong-Gwi Lee

Dong-Gwi Lee, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Psychology at Yonsei University. His research focuses on the interplay between personality-related variables (e.g., perfectionism, procrastination, and self-worth) and psychological health.

Jae Joon Park

Jae Joon Park, BA, is a master's student in the Department of Psychology at Yonsei University. His research interests includes attachment and depression.

Byeong Hoon Bae

Byeong Hoon Bae, MA, is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Psychology at Yonsei University. His research focuses on faking responses on tests, social desirability constructs, and Internet-based therapy.

Hyun-Woo Lim

Hyun-Woo Lim, PhD, is an associate professor in English Education Major, Graduate School of Education at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Her research interests center on second language writing, non-native English-speaking teachers' professional identity development, and adolescents' career maturity.