Antonio Alonzo Ruiz: Attachments, depression and anxiety

Regarding the influence of insecure attachment on the development of mixed anxiety and depression disorder, several studies have shown that there is a correlation between two models of insecure attachment and anxiety-depressive disorders.

In a 1988 study, Dr. Paul Pilkonis of the University of Pittsburgh found that a high percentage of adults with depressive disorder had the same behavioral patterns characteristic of avoidant insecure attachment that developed during childhood. Another study conducted in 1996 with a nonclinical sample of 366 people between 18 and 62 years old used the CaMir questionnaire to assess attachment in adults.

The interesting thing about this instrument is that it measures the thought and behaviour patterns of insecure attachment, both anxious and avoidant, related to family functioning from adolescence and in emotionally close relationships.

This same study also found that anxious attachment, characterized by low self-esteem, need for physical contact, mistrust, and extreme negative interpretations, has a greater and longer-lasting impact on mental health than avoidant attachment, which avoids intimacy, minimizes emotions, overvalues ​​independence, and tries to escape conflict.

In conclusion, the correlations of these two attachments are that both subjects appear emotionally distant, although for different reasons; the anxious one for fear of being the loser in the relationship and the avoidant one for fear of losing his independence.

What is common is that both tend to be anxious and depressed when faced with closeness and commitment.

Clinical psychologist, UVHM. Mental Health and Spirituality Tutor for Adults. WhatsApp: [phone]. Mental Health Tutor

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