ORIGINAL ARTICLES

The Influence of Adult Attachment on Psychological Stress: The Mediating Effect of Self-criticism

  • MO Licheng ,
  • ZHANG Dandan
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  • School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
* ZHANG Dandan, zhangdd05@gmail.com

Online published: 2024-10-18

Abstract

Objective:This paper aims to explore the influence of adult attachment on psychological stress, as well as the mediating effect of self-criticism.
Methods:Using the cluster sampling method, college students in Harbin, Taiyuan and Nanjing area were selected as subjects. The Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory (ECR), the Self-critical Subscale of Depression Experience Questionnaire (DEQ) and the Stress Distress Scale were used to conduct the questionnaire survey. Descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis and mediating effect test were performed on the collected data.
Results:A total of 1,250 questionnaires were issued and 1,160 were recovered, with a recovery rate of 92.8%. After the invalid questionnaires were eliminated, the effective questionnaires were 1,108, with an effective rate of 88.6%. The main results are as follows: (1) adult attachment has a positive predictive effect on psychological stress (F=42.998, p<0.001) and is positively correlated with self-criticism (attachment avoidance: r=0.175, p<0.01; attachment anxiety: r=0.545, p<0.001) and psychological stress (attachment avoidance: r=0.141, p<0.01; attachment anxiety: r=0.356, p<0.001). (2) Self-criticism partially mediates attachment anxiety and psychological pressure, and the mediating effect accounts for 60.5% of the total effect.
Conclusion:Adult attachment can not only directly affect psychological stress, but also affect psychological stress via self-criticism.

Cite this article

MO Licheng , ZHANG Dandan . The Influence of Adult Attachment on Psychological Stress: The Mediating Effect of Self-criticism[J]. Psychological Communications, 2020 , 3(3) : 162 -169 . DOI: 10.12100/j.issn.2096-5494.219071

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