Investigating the Mediating Effects of Thought Suppression and Social Problem-Solving within the Relationship between Insecure Attachment and Interpersonal Problems

Masters Thesis

Zammit, Rebecca. 2022. Investigating the Mediating Effects of Thought Suppression and Social Problem-Solving within the Relationship between Insecure Attachment and Interpersonal Problems. Masters Thesis Master of Science Research (Psychology). University of Southern Queensland. https://doi.org/10.26192/wq7x3
Title

Investigating the Mediating Effects of Thought Suppression and Social Problem-Solving within the Relationship between Insecure Attachment and Interpersonal Problems

TypeMasters Thesis
AuthorsZammit, Rebecca
Supervisor
1. FirstDr Zahra Izadikhah
2. SecondProf Tony Machin
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
Qualification NameMaster of Science Research (Psychology)
Number of Pages152
Year2022
PublisherUniversity of Southern Queensland
Place of PublicationAustralia
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.26192/wq7x3
Abstract

Insecure attachment that represents negative internal models of self and/or others contributes to the development and maintenance of interpersonal problems. Interpersonal problems are unhealthy interpersonal behaviours that repeatedly inhibit the achievement of interpersonal goals and are likely to be influenced by thought suppression. Previous research identified that adults with insecure attachment use thought suppression to deactivate their attachment system. Insecure attachment has also been shown to be associated with poor social problem-solving (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2012). Therefore, this current research project aimed to identify whether thought suppression and poor social problem-solving sequentially link insecure attachment to interpersonal problems. The sample consisted of 571 Australian adults (Nfemale = 412, Mage = 30; Nmale = 147, Mage = 30). An online quantitative survey collected data that was analysed with structural equation modelling to estimate a mediation model of the relationship between insecure attachment and interpersonal problems. As hypothesised, structural equation modelling revealed that the relationship between insecure attachment and interpersonal problems is sequentially mediated by thought suppression and poor social problem-solving. Our findings have implications for psychological interventions, psychotherapy, and governmental policies. Psychological interventions targeting insecure attachment and interpersonal problems will benefit from considering the sequential relationship between thought suppression and social problem-solving. Overlooking the sequential relationship identified in this study, can hinder the improvement of interpersonal problems in adults with insecure attachment.

KeywordsInsecure attachment; interpersonal problems; thought suppression; social problem-solving; mediation model; structural equation modelling
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 20205203. Clinical and health psychology
520302. Clinical psychology
Public Notes

File reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/author.

Byline AffiliationsSchool of Psychology and Wellbeing
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