Emotion Dysregulation Cognitive Flexibility and Pathological Concern Moderating Role of Attachment Style

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The period of emerging adulthood involves transition of individuals from adolescence to adulthood. It includes occurrence of numerous internal and external changes biologically, socially, and psychologically. These changes impact intrinsic and extrinsic processes such as emotion regulation, attachment, cognition, and relational attitudes of individuals. The intrinsic and extrinsic processes are essential for a successful progression but due to ongoing changes during this time, emerging adults are susceptible to impairment in these domains and have a higher risk of development of mental health disorders. The existing literature provides limited insight and evidence on the interaction and dynamics of these processes in this developmental period. The current research addressed this gap by investigating moderating role of attachment in the relationship between emotion dysregulation and pathological concern, and also between cognitive flexibility and pathological concern in emerging adulthood. newlineMethods: Sample comprised of 518 individuals, aged between 18 and 29 years who resides in Delhi or National Capital Regions. Scales used were Pathological Concern Questionnaire, Measure of Attachment Style, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, And Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 27 and moderation analysis was carried out through software Hayes Process version 4.2. newlineResults: The findings disclosed that insecure attachment styles were significant moderators in the relationship between emotion dysregulation and pathological concern. Also, avoidant attachment style acted as a significant moderator in the association between cognitive flexibility and pathological concern. Ambivalent attachment style was found to moderate relationship between cognitive flexibility control and pathological concern. newlineImplications: The results suggest planning interventions with an aim to improve emotion regulation and reduce or prevent pathological concern for a healthy adaptation from adolescent to a young adult. newlineKeywords: Emerging adulthood, emotion dysregulation, cognitive flexibility, attachment style, pathological concern. newline newline