Self-compassion, interpersonal problems and attachment
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The relationships between self-compassion, attachment and interpersonal problems in patients attending an adult psychological therapies service
IRAS ID
161760
Contact name
Kate Mackintosh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 23 days
Research summary
The relationship between self-compassion, attachment and interpersonal problems in adults attending a Primary Care Mental Health Service
It is well established that early life experiences can contribute to the development of later mental health problems. Attachment theory proposes that early relationships with primary caregivers have an enduring effect on interpersonal relationships and psychological functioning throughout the lifespan. Attachment styles can be categorised as secure or insecure. There are established links between insecure attachment styles and mental health problems. However, less is known about how attachment styles affect mental health, and why some people with insecure attachment go on to develop mental health problems, whilst others do not.
Self-compassion (one’s attitude towards and relationship with the self) and interpersonal problems (the difficulties an individual may have in relating to others) are two potential factors that could account for the relationship between attachment style and mental health problems. Research relating to this has been conducted in non-clinical settings. However, no literature has been identified looking at these relationships in a clinical population. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the relationships between attachment style, self-compassion, interpersonal problems and common mental health problems in a clinical population. Understanding this relationship may provide support for the use of psychological interventions focused on improving self-compassion or reducing interpersonal problems.
The research objective will be addressed by asking participants to complete four self-report questionnaires on one occasion. These questionnaires will measure attachment, self-compassion, mood symptomology and interpersonal problems. Participants will be adults with a diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety disorder, attending NHS Tayside Primary Care Psychological Therapies Services. They will be given the questionnaires by their clinician to complete at home, and it will take them approximately 35 minutes to complete. Questionnaires will be handed back to clinicians or posted directly to the researcher.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
15/ES/0028
Date of REC Opinion
10 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion