Interplay of Insecure Attachment Style and Emotion Dysregulation among Females of Emerging Adulthood

Females have a higher prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders than males. The dysregulation of emotions is a major risk factor in these disorders. According to attachment theory, humans have an innate psychological resource, attachment, which provides a safe shelter and a healthy emotional management. But the impact of attachment style on regulation of emotions in females has shown mixed evidence. Thus, the current research investigated the association of attachment style with emotion dysregulation in females. The study included 129 females (18-29 years) in Delhi/NCR region. Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form and Measure of Attachment Style were employed for assessing the attachment style and emotion dysregulation. The results were partly consistent with the hypothesis and revealed that emotion dysregulation and its sub components were linked with insecure attachment style, specifically ambivalent attachment style. Ambivalent attachment style predicted emotion dysregulation. Emotion dysregulation and insecure attachment styles were influenced by one’s educational background and relationship status. In conclusion, mechanisms underneath insecure attachment styles need to be explored. It will further help in designing and implementing interventions for building healthy emotion regulation and secure attachment style in women.