Changes in Attachment to Parents and Peers and Relations With Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Song, Qingfang; Vicman, Jess M.; Doan, Stacey N.

doi:10.1177/21676968221097167

Cited by 10 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 47 publications

(64 reference statements)

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“…Indeed, we found that the direct effects of attachment to peers on levels of alexithymia, peritraumatic distress, and IA were all significant, as were the indirect paths via the simple mediation of both alexithymia and peritraumatic distress and the multiple serial mediation of alexithymia and peritraumatic distress. These findings are in line with previous studies evidencing that the insecurity of attachment to peers may predispose young adults to higher difficulties in identifying and describing feelings [ 141 ], psychopathological symptoms [ 142 ], and internet-related addiction [ 133 ]. Moreover, we found greater effect sizes of the effects of attachment to peers on IA compared to those directly and/or indirectly exerted by the attachment to mothers and to fathers.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Internet Addiction among Young Adult University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Peritraumatic Distress, Attachment, and Alexithymia

Marzilli

Cerniglia

Cimino

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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The literature focused on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adult university students’ mental health shows a significant increase in psychopathological symptoms and Internet Addiction (IA). The key role played by attachment and alexithymia has also been suggested, but no study has explored the possible dynamic relationship between these variables. We recruited a sample of n = 410 young adult university students online. We assessed the attachment to parents and peers (through IPPA), alexithymia (through TAS-20), peritraumatic distress symptoms due to COVID-19 (through CPDI), and IA (through IAT). The results showed that the relationship between the attachment to mothers and IA was partially mediated by alexithymia and by the serial mediation of alexithymia and peritraumatic distress, whereas the influence of the attachment to fathers on IA was fully mediated by peritraumatic distress. The direct effects of the attachment to peers on alexithymia, peritraumatic distress, and IA were all significant, as were the indirect paths via the simple mediation of both alexithymia and peritraumatic distress and the multiple serial mediation of alexithymia and peritraumatic distress. Our findings suggested that the relationship between attachment, alexithymia, and psychopathological risk is dynamic in predicting IA during the pandemic among young adult university students and that the different attachment figures exert a peculiar contribution to these processes.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Internet Addiction among Young Adult University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Peritraumatic Distress, Attachment, and Alexithymia

Marzilli

Cerniglia

Cimino

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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show abstract

“…Furthermore, our findings uncovered various aspects of what it feels like to be lonely amid COVID-19. Although closer friendships seem to remain intact in the pandemic (72), it is associated with less general peer-topeer contact (73) and worse recognition of one's own and others' emotions (74), which can lead to more distress and loneliness (73). When looking back at the possible evolutionary functions of loneliness, solidarity and spending time with a peer group help increase social skills for battling loneliness, which in turn lessens their risk for mortality (43).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Positive and negative experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic among lonely and non-lonely populations in Germany

Wegner

Liu²

2023

Front. Public Health

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The COVID-19 pandemic is causing an epidemic of loneliness. Previous studies have shown the differences in positive and negative experiences of lonely and non-lonely people in a non-pandemic setting. However, it is unclear how the drastic alteration of the COVID-19 pandemic may influence peoples' reactions and beliefs, especially among those who feel lonely. Our study aims to examine the positive and negative experiences among lonely and non-lonely people. We undertook a cross-sectional online survey of the general population in Germany (N = 1,758) from May 2020 to May 2022. We assessed their feelings of loneliness with the short eight-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8), their positive and negative experience of living in the COVID-19 pandemic as well as their psychological distress regarding the pandemic with the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI). We found lonely individuals (ULS-8 score ≥ 16) reported fewer positive experiences of living in the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, less time with loved ones [z(1, 756) = −2.5, p = 0.012] and less sense of togetherness [z(1, 756) = −2.39, p = 0.017] as compared to non-lonely individuals. Meanwhile, they experienced more negative experiences, for example, worry and fear [z(1, 756) = 6.31, p < 0.001] compared with non-lonely individuals. Interestingly, lonely people were less likely to view the pandemic as a conspiracy than non-lonely people were [z(1, 756) = −3.35, p < 0.001]. Our results may give insight into attribution bias and the negative affect of lonely people during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as highlight the experience of non-lonely people and raise the question of differences in conspiracy beliefs. For pandemic preparedness and response, decision-makers may focus on interventions to foster social cohesion, empower people, build resilience, and most importantly provide timely social care.

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“…While the current study was conducted prior to the advent of COVID-19 in 2015, its emphasis on attachment and identity for university adjustment aligns with more recent findings in the context of the pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, [ 97 ] investigated changes in parent and peer attachment and the associated adjustment challenges among college students in the United States. They discovered that students reported lower attachment security, which was associated with greater adjustment difficulties.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Who makes a better university adjustment wingman: Parents or friends?

Wider,

Tanucan,

Lin

et al. 2023

PLoS ONE

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The first year of university is one of the most difficult times in a student’s life due to numerous changes that occur. This cross-sectional study explores the concept of parental and peer attachment, which has been researched for its ability to predict students’ success in higher education. Yet, less research has investigated the mechanisms underpinning the relationship between attachment and university adjustment among first-year students. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of parent and peer attachment on first-year university students, and understand how these attachments can facilitate university adjustment through identity exploration. This investigation is underpinned by Bowlby and Ainsworth’s attachment theory and Arnett’s emerging adulthood theory. Data were collected from 568 first-year students at a public university in Sabah, Malaysia, via adapted questionnaires. Structural equation modelling was employed using SmartPLS Software 3.0 to analyse the data. The study found that identity exploration mediates the relationship between parental trust, peer communication, and university adjustment. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for professionals working with emerging adult clients, especially those in higher education institutions, aiming to enhance the adjustment level among first-year students.

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Changes in Attachment to Parents and Peers and Relations With Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Cited by 10 publications

References 47 publications

Internet Addiction among Young Adult University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Peritraumatic Distress, Attachment, and Alexithymia

Internet Addiction among Young Adult University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Peritraumatic Distress, Attachment, and Alexithymia

Positive and negative experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic among lonely and non-lonely populations in Germany

Who makes a better university adjustment wingman: Parents or friends?

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