Uncovering the link between attachment and interpersonal objectification: The role of theory of mind and empathy

While extensive research has examined the consequences of objectification in specific contexts (e.g., sexual or workplace settings), little is known about how interpersonal personal relationship is related to objectification. Similarly, although attachment theory explains relational patterns, its connection to interpersonal objectification—particularly via socio-cognitive processes like Theory of Mind (ToM) and empathy—remains largely unexplored. This study addresses these gaps by investigating the relationship between attachment insecurity and objectification of others via ToM and empathy. In three well-powered studies conducted in Poland, the UK, and Italy ( N = 1222) we found a consistent relationship between attachment avoidance and interpersonal objectification, i.e., the higher the level of attachment avoidance, the higher the tendency to objectify others. Crucially, this relationship was accounted for by levels of ToM (Study 2 & 3) and empathy (Study 3). We discuss the implications of these findings for the literature on attachment styles and objectification, and the importance of integrating these findings into broader models of social and personality psychology. • Attachment avoidance is positively related to objectification of others. • Theory of Mind mediates this relationship. • Lower empathy in avoidant individuals is linked to higher objectification. • Attachment anxiety shows no consistent correlation with objectification. • Findings suggest potential pathways for reducing objectification tendencies.