The Influence of the Attachment Style on Amelioration Process from Social Exclusion

Abstract

It is known that responses to exclusion are influenced by individual differences. We focused on interpersonal attachment styles of individuals (anxious attachment, avoidant attachment) and investigated subjective responses to exclusion (Need-Threat), as well as attention to signs of exclusion and inclusion (Event-Related Brain Potential: P3b component). Participants played a ball-tossing game consisting of an inclusion session after an exclusion session. Results indicated no significant differences in need-threat scores between attachment styles after exclusion or inclusion sessions. Moreover, P3b amplitude for signs of exclusion (ball-tossing among others) decreased in inclusion sessions in individuals with high anxious attachment compared to those with low anxious attachment. Furthermore, P3b amplitude related to signs of inclusion (receiving balls) in individuals with high avoidant attachment was significantly less in inclusion sessions than in exclusion session

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