How Do Our Parents Shape Us? Attachment Patterns Superimposed on Social Anxiety and Self-Efficacy
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Sophomore
Major
Psychology
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
2nd Student Major
Clinical Psychology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Amanda Joyce PhD.
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Problems or Purpose: The purpose of this project was to examine the relationships between attachment styles, self-efficacy, and social anxiety. Bandura (1983) composed a self-efficacy theory as one’s own belief in their abilities. His research demonstrated that subjects with high levels of efficacy had decreased anxiety and stress. Research also indicates that individuals who demonstrate anxious attachment patterns and/or low levels of self-efficacy also exhibit higher levels of anxiety, perhaps as a manifestation of expectation of exclusion as a fear of closeness (Bifulco, Kwon, Jacobs, Moran, Bunn, & Beer 2006; Heimberg, Hart, Schneier, & Liebowitz 2001; Wei, Russell, & Zalalik, 2005). However, little is known about self-efficacy as an intermediary in the link between anxious-attachment style and social anxiety. The goal of this research is to determine the relationship between attachment style and social anxiety, and the role that self-efficacy plays in that relationship. This research is necessary in order to improve our understanding of the development of social anxiety and how to combat it.
Procedure: Participants (n= 70, 81% female), completed a series of questionnaires regarding parental and relational attachment, self-efficacy, and social anxieties. Participants self-reported their attachment with each of their parents (mother, step-mother, father, step-father), their romantic attachment patterns, self-efficacy, and levels of social anxiety.
Results: Preliminary results indicate an association between self- efficacy and social anxiety. Although attachment style was primarily unrelated to variables of interest, individuals primarily demonstrated a secure attachment pattern.
Conclusions: Conclusions and implications will be discussed in more detail during the presentation.
Fall Scholars Week 2019 Event
Psychology: Completed Projects
How Do Our Parents Shape Us? Attachment Patterns Superimposed on Social Anxiety and Self-Efficacy
Problems or Purpose: The purpose of this project was to examine the relationships between attachment styles, self-efficacy, and social anxiety. Bandura (1983) composed a self-efficacy theory as one’s own belief in their abilities. His research demonstrated that subjects with high levels of efficacy had decreased anxiety and stress. Research also indicates that individuals who demonstrate anxious attachment patterns and/or low levels of self-efficacy also exhibit higher levels of anxiety, perhaps as a manifestation of expectation of exclusion as a fear of closeness (Bifulco, Kwon, Jacobs, Moran, Bunn, & Beer 2006; Heimberg, Hart, Schneier, & Liebowitz 2001; Wei, Russell, & Zalalik, 2005). However, little is known about self-efficacy as an intermediary in the link between anxious-attachment style and social anxiety. The goal of this research is to determine the relationship between attachment style and social anxiety, and the role that self-efficacy plays in that relationship. This research is necessary in order to improve our understanding of the development of social anxiety and how to combat it.
Procedure: Participants (n= 70, 81% female), completed a series of questionnaires regarding parental and relational attachment, self-efficacy, and social anxieties. Participants self-reported their attachment with each of their parents (mother, step-mother, father, step-father), their romantic attachment patterns, self-efficacy, and levels of social anxiety.
Results: Preliminary results indicate an association between self- efficacy and social anxiety. Although attachment style was primarily unrelated to variables of interest, individuals primarily demonstrated a secure attachment pattern.
Conclusions: Conclusions and implications will be discussed in more detail during the presentation.