Social Support and Depressive Symptoms in the Context of COVID-19 Lockdown: The Moderating Role of Attachment Styles
Date
2022
Type:
Article
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Abstract
Objectives: COVID-19 sanitary measures (social distancing, school closures) have deeply
impacted social life, support networks, and their protective role in mental health. The
present study aims to understand how attachment styles influence the way individuals
experience social support. Particularly, investigating its moderating role in the relationship
between social support and depression.
Methods: An online survey was designed to clarify the role of adult attachment styles
(ECR-S) in the perceived social support (MOSS) and self-reported depressive symptoms
(BDI-SF) in the COVID-19 context.
Results: Positive social interactions was the most important dimension of social support
for lower depression symptoms. Individuals attachment strategies have a moderating role
in the relation between of social support and depression. Crucially, insecure attachment
style wanes the positive impact of social support in depression.
Conclusion: Aligned with the existing literature, attachment security is an essential factor in our current understanding of relationships and mental health. Exploring specific and indivual attachment strategies might be a powerful tool to protect population’s mental health.
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Citation
Costa-Cordella S, Vivanco-Carlevari A, Rossi A, Arévalo-Romero C and Silva JR (2022) Social Support and Depressive Symptoms in the Context of COVID-19 Lockdown: The Moderating Role of Attachment Styles. Int J Public Health 67:1604401. doi: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604401
Keywords
Mental health, COVID-19, Depression, Social support, Attachment, Attachment theory