THE EFFECT OF ATTACHMENT ANXIETY AND AVOIDANCE ON FREELY RECALLED AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMORIES: A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

There is a considerable debate regarding the effect of attachment on memory processes. In the present study, the relationship between attachment dimensions and linguistic characteristics of freely recalled autobiographical memories was investigated. Participants (N = 215) retrieved 3 autobiographical memories and completed a measure of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Results indicated that the linguistic indicators of psychological processes varied according to the attachment orientations of individuals. Individuals with high attachment anxiety reported memories which contained rich social details, as a part of hyperactivating affect regulation strategies comprising obsessive attention to attachment figures. Deactivating affect regulation strategies related to attachment avoidance seem highly efficient in preventing the recall of autobiographical memories that may activate attachment behavioral system, since it showed a negative association with the use of words referring to family interactions. Discussion focuses on how the attachment related knowledge structures and affect regulation strategies lead variations in the content of autobiographical memories.