From Bonds to Brains: Understanding the Impact of Attachment on Executive Functions in Adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: This study explores the critical relationship between attachment styles and executive functions in adolescents, focusing on how secure, ambivalent, and avoidant attachment styles affect core cognitive functions such as emotional regulation, planning, and cognitive flexibility. Method: This study used a cross-sectional design to assess 283 adolescents aged 13-17 from various schools in Spain. Attachment styles were evaluated using the CaMir-R questionnaire, while executive functions were measured through the BRIEF-SR. Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney U and Student's t-tests, were used to compare cognitive performance across secure and insecure attachment groups. Results: The analysis revealed that adolescents with secure attachment demonstrated significantly better overall cognitive performance compared to those with insecure attachment (U = 7569.5, p