How secure attachment improves relationships and work performance

Attachment is a specific and discriminative bond co-constructed through interactions between two individuals. This bond is characterized by the tendency to seek and maintain closeness with a particular figure, especially in stressful situations (Salinas-Quiroz & Posada, 2015). In adulthood, these bonds are formed with peers and partners, with both members of the dyad acting as a base of security for each other at different times (Hazan & Shaver, 1987, 1994).

Bowlby (1988) defined secure attachment as the ability to form strong and secure relationships with others while retaining the ability to act independently as the situation requires.

A person with a secure attachment style has a healthy pattern of behavior, as evidenced by their ability to work well both alone and with others, forming flexible and reciprocal relationships with different people. Character and strength are at the core of autonomous and independent action" (Simmons, Nelson, & Quick, 2003, p. 362). This strength of character, present in securely attached individuals, enables them to create a reliable social support network to turn to in times of need, making it easier for them to work effectively and comfortably when acting alone is required.

Adult attachment models

Bartholomew and Horowitz (1991) proposed a model of adult attachment based on the interaction between people's perceptions of themselves and others. These perceptions influence interpersonal relationships, emotional expression, emotional regulation strategies, conflict resolution strategies, and the likelihood of experiencing positive emotions (Bartholomew & Horowitz, 1991).

Depending on how they perceive themselves and others, individuals can develop one of four attachment styles: secure, preoccupied/anxious, avoidant/dependent, and anxious-avoidant (Collins, 1996; Feeney & Noller, 1990, 1991; Hazan & Shaver, 1987, 1994).

Emotional regulation strategies and attachment styles

People with a secure attachment style use strategies that minimize stress and promote positive emotions, whereas those with an insecure attachment tend to emphasize negative emotions and suppress their emotions (Kobak et al., 1993; Kobak & Sceery, 1988; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2019; Mikulincer et al., 2003).

Emotional regulation refers to the extrinsic and intrinsic processes responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and modifying emotional responses to increase, maintain, or decrease one or more components of emotional responses, either consciously or unconsciously (Gross, 2001; Thompson, 1994). This includes changes in emotional responses, such as the types of emotions people experience, when they experience them, and how they experience and express them (Gross, 2015).

Secure attachment and its implications

Securely attached individuals are autonomous but seek emotional help from their caregivers when needed (Allen et al., 2007; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2019). They tend to discuss problems openly and resolve conflicts rather than avoid them (Belsky, 2002; Feeney & Noller, 1990; Fleming, 2008; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2012, 2019). They also have more positive expectations about their ability to regulate negative moods and solve life problems compared to insecurely attached individuals (Nielsen et al., 2017).

The impact of secure attachment on mental health and work performance

Secure attachment is considered a protective factor against psychopathology, as it has been associated with lower prevalence of depression (Paradiso et al., 2012; Surcinelli et al., 2010), anxiety (Erozkan, 2011; Reynolds et al., 2014), personality disorders (Kim et al., 2014; Levy et al., 2015), criminal activity (Allen et al., 2002), and non-substance dependence (Estevez et al., 2017).

In work settings, secure attachment influences socialization, adaptation to change, and leader-follower relationships (Kahn, 1995; Keller, 2003; Nelson, Quick, & Joplin, 1991). Recent research has examined how secure attachment translates into positive psychological states and improved job performance (Mikulincer, 1995; Mikulincer & Florian, 1995).

Secure attachment is fundamental not only to healthy personal relationships but also to success and satisfaction at work. Securely attached individuals are more likely to be confident in their abilities, work effectively with others, and manage stress constructively. Fostering secure attachment in adults can improve their interpersonal relationships as well as their performance and well-being at work.

I invite readers to reflect on their attachment patterns and consider how they can strengthen their emotional security for a healthier and more successful future, and how this affects their relationships and the way they narrate their own lives and their relationships with others.

References

• SALINAS-QUIROZ, Fernando; DOMINGUEZ-ESPINOSA, Alejandra del Carmen  y  RIOS MERCADO, Sara Patricia.Impact of attachment styles, need for social approval, and emotional regulation on mental health: A parallel mediation model. Revista de Psicología [online]. 2023, vol.41, n.1, pp.269-305.  Epub 15-Feb-2023. ISSN 0254-9247.  http://dx.doi.org/10.18800/psico.202301.011.

• Simmons, Bret & Gooty, Janaki & Nelson, Debra & Little, Laura. (2009). Secure attachment: Implications for hope, trust, burnout, and performance. Journal of Organizational Behavior. 30. 233 - 247. 10.1002/job.585.