Attachment security, values, and prosocial attitudes

Scand J Psychol. 2018 Aug;59(4):368-377. doi: 10.1111/sjop.12442. Epub 2018 Apr 17.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine whether individuals with different attachment styles held different prosocial values and attitudes given their different models of self and of others. A sample of 717 university students completed the ECR-S (Experiences in Close Relationships-Spanish) and the PVQ (Portrait Values Questionnaire), and evaluated different prosocial attitudes. The results showed that secure individuals reported higher scores on self-transcendence and in the value self-directions of the dimension openness to change, whereas insecure individuals had higher scores on conservation and self-enhancement. No differences were found in the attitudes of individuals with different attachment styles. These findings show a link between the dimensions of the universal values theory, and the models of self and of others.

Keywords: Adult attachment; model of others; model of self; prosocial attitudes; social values.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Object Attachment*
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Values*
  • Young Adult