Adult Attachment Insecurity and Positive Emotions: The Mediating Role of Dispositional Mindfulness Facets.
Yanming He, Zsofia K Takacs, Zara P Brodie, Karen Goodall
Psychological Reports May 7, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/00332941261450512 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study using self-report questionnaires and parallel multiple mediation analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 513 |
| Population | Adults who completed self-report questionnaires |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Positive emotions Attachment anxiety Attachment avoidance Dispositional mindfulness |
| Key findings | Nonjudging repeatedly emerged as a significant mediator between attachment insecurity (anxiety and avoidance) and discrete positive emotions and their regulation strategies. Describe mediated this relationship only in the context of attachment avoidance. The authors propose that different mindfulness facets may account for differing effects of attachment insecurity on positive emotions. |
Abstract
This study explored the mediating roles of mindfulness facets in the relationship between adult attachment and positive emotions. Specifically, it examined the subjective experiences and regulation strategies associated with positive emotions. A total of 513 participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing dispositional mindfulness, adult attachment, discrete positive emotion, and regulation strategies related to positive emotions. The parallel multiple mediation analysis indicated that nonjudging repeatedly emerged as significant mediator in the relationship between attachment insecurity (anxiety and avoidance) and discrete positive emotions and the regulation strategies used. Describe facet only emerged as a significant mediator in the context of attachment avoidance and positive emotions and regulation strategies. The effects of attachment insecurity on positive emotions differed through various mindfulness facets. The current findings extend understanding of the mechanisms that may explain why individuals differ in the extent to which they engage in positive emotional experiences. This insight may inform the adaptation of mindfulness-based programs to better address individual differences.