The study aimed to examine attachment as a determinant factor for the formation of self-concept positivity and empathy during adolescence. Attachment refers to the quality of relationship with a...Show moreThe study aimed to examine attachment as a determinant factor for the formation of self-concept positivity and empathy during adolescence. Attachment refers to the quality of relationship with a primary caregiver in the beginning of life and it affects an individual’s emotional and physical development throughout lifespan. It consists of two core dimensions, anxiety and avoidance. Attachment has been found to affect the formation of self-concept positivity, meaning how positive one perceives his own self and the formation of empathy, meaning the ability to experience someone else’s emotions. Yet, research regarding how those concepts are linked during adolescence is scarce. We expected that higher scores in attachment anxiety lead to lower scores both on self-concept positivity and empathy. Likewise, we expected that higher scores in attachment avoidance would again lead to lower scores in both dimensions. Lastly, we investigated potential interaction effects among the variables. The sample consisted of 160 adolescents between 11 and 21 years old. To assess their level of self-concept positivity, participants performed an fMRI examination. Their attachment type was measured by the ‘Experience in Close Relationships’ questionnaire and their levels of empathy were assessed by the ‘Interpersonal Reactivity Index’. The data was analysed by the statistical program IBM SPSS 25. The results suggested that attachment anxiety and avoidance were not related to the levels of self-concept positivity during adolescence. However, both of them were found to be negatively related to the levels of empathy. Finally, the results revealed no interaction effect.Show less
