Disentangle the neural correlates of attachment style in healthy individuals

Abstract

Since its development and theorisation in the 60s, attachment theory has greatly influenced both clinical and developmental psychology suggesting the existence of complex dynamics based on the relationship between an infant and its caregiver, that affects personality traits and interpersonal relationships in adulthood. Many studies have been conducted to explore the association between attachment styles and psychosocial functioning and mental health. By contrast, only a few studies have investigated the neurobiological underpinnings of attachment style, showing mixed results. Therefore, in this review, we described current evidence from structural and functional imaging studies with the final aim to disentangle the neural correlates of attachment style in healthy individuals. Overall, different attachment styles have been correlated with volumetric alterations mainly in the cingulate cortex, amygdala, hippocampus and anterior temporal pole. Consistently, functional imaging studies suggested patterns of activations in fronto-striatal-limbic circuits during the processing of social and attachment-related stimuli. Further studies are needed to clarify the neurobiological signature of attachment style, possibly taking into consideration a wide range of demographic, psychosocial and clinical factors that may mediate the associations between the style of attachment and brain systems (e.g., gender, personality traits, psychosocial functioning, early-life experience).

Attachment security and striatal functional connectivity in typically developing children

“…The connectivity differences between the two groups mostly represented different roles of the striatum in socio-emotional information processing. These findings correspond to adult attachment studies which showed that the fronto-striatal-limbic circuit function is modulated by attachment type during the processing of social and attachment-related cues ( Perlini et al, 2019 ). In particular, this circuit is responsible for modulating affective evaluations and often represents an access to memory about previous experiences, thinking of negative emotions or stress responses ( Coan, 2010 ; Vrtička and Vuilleumier, 2012 ; Williams et al, 2018 ).…”

Cerebellar engagement in the attachment behavioral system

“…In conclusion, we propose that in addition to OFC even the specific cerebellar areas previously demonstrated to be involved in emotional regulation have to be included in the current neurobiological models of human attachment 85 . The present research may represent a step forward in mapping out the attachment process and improving our understanding of the pathophysiology of the attachment-related disorders.…”

Cerebellar Engagement In The Attachment Behavioral System

“…In conclusion, we propose that in addition to OFC even the speci c cerebellar areas previously demonstrated to be involved in emotional regulation have to be included in the current neurobiological models of human attachment 75 . The present research may represent a step forward in mapping out the attachment process and improving our understanding of the pathophysiology of the attachment-related disorders.…”