The Dual Function Model of Attachment Security Priming: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Evidence

Abstract

According to attachment theory, security providing attachment figures fulfill two main functions: (1) safe haven—providing safety and comfort and reducing stress—helping people regain a sense of security; and (2) secure base—providing resources and a base from which people can spring into action. According to the Dual Function of Security Priming Model, security priming can result in one of two outcomes paralleling these two functions. Which outcome is likely to present itself depends on the level of stress imposed by the context. Here we describe the Dual Function Model of Security Priming (DFSP) Model and provide evidence from a study examining the effects of attachment security priming on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity. In the study, participants were exposed to security-related cues under high or low/no-stress conditions, while their salivary cortisol concentrations were measured. Cortisol is a suitable index as it is released not only in response to stress, but also more generally when energy needs to be mobilized. We found that while security priming led to significant decreases in salivary cortisol concentrations when presented after a stressor (stress reduction), it led to a significant increase in salivary cortisol concentrations when presented before the stressor (energy mobilization).

Do emotion regulation strategies mediate the attachment–paranoia association? An experimental study of repeated attachment imagery priming and stress buffering

“…Selcuk et al (2012) found that activating mental representations of attachment figures before stress-induction (recalling a negative memory) did not reduce negative affect or thinking, but activating these representations after stress-induction did. Similarly, Ai et al (2020) found that salivary cortisol concentrations increased when security priming was administered before the stressor, and decreased when administered after. This suggests that secure imagery may be more helpful in facilitating recovery from, rather than buffering, stress.…”

Pursuing safety in social connection regulates the risk-regulation, social-safety, and behavioral-immune systems.

“…Future research might examine whether the goal to feel included in safe social connections can co-opt other self-regulatory systems as means for its pursuit, such as ones that serve the needs for self-esteem, system justification, or group status. Consistent with this logic, priming the thought of a secure attachment—one where the need to feel safe in social connection is presumably fulfilled—can increase empathy for others, reduce prejudice, and increase prosocial behavior (Ai et al, 2020; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2020).…”

Effects of attachment security priming on women’s math performance

“…Theoretically, attachment security serves two key functions: promoting a “safe haven” (i.e., relaxation) as well as a “secure base” (i.e., mobilization of energy to effectively cope with stressors). If so, then the positive effects of priming attachment security on performance should be particularly pronounced when there is “a threat in the air” ( Ai et al, 2020 ), as is the case when African Americans take a test said to be diagnostic of intelligence ( Steele, 1997 ).…”