The Dual Function Model of Attachment Security Priming: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Evidence

View/ Open
Issue Date
2020-11-03Author
Ai, Ting
Gillath, Omri
Karantzas, Gery C.
Publisher
MDPI
Type
Article
Article Version
Scholarly/refereed, publisher version
Rights
© 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
According to attachment theory, security providing attachment figures fulfill two main functions: (1) safe haven—providing safety and comfort and reducing stress—helping people regain a sense of security; and (2) secure base—providing resources and a base from which people can spring into action. According to the Dual Function of Security Priming Model, security priming can result in one of two outcomes paralleling these two functions. Which outcome is likely to present itself depends on the level of stress imposed by the context. Here we describe the Dual Function Model of Security Priming (DFSP) Model and provide evidence from a study examining the effects of attachment security priming on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity. In the study, participants were exposed to security-related cues under high or low/no-stress conditions, while their salivary cortisol concentrations were measured. Cortisol is a suitable index as it is released not only in response to stress, but also more generally when energy needs to be mobilized. We found that while security priming led to significant decreases in salivary cortisol concentrations when presented after a stressor (stress reduction), it led to a significant increase in salivary cortisol concentrations when presented before the stressor (energy mobilization).
Description
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Collections
Citation
Ai, T., Gillath, O., & Karantzas, G. C. (2020). The Dual Function Model of Attachment Security Priming: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Evidence. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(21), 8093. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218093
Items in KU ScholarWorks are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.
We want to hear from you! Please share your stories about how Open Access to this item benefits YOU.