Attachment Anxiety Creates False Memories: Study Finds

Written By:

Written By:

Psychology News

A team of researchers at Southern Methodist University explored the link between attachment anxiety and the creation of false memories. The study is published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

The Study

The researchers recruited 200–650 participants in a study conducted to understand memory formation in personality types with attachment anxiety.

Some of the participants were randomly assigned to watch a 20-minute video of a woman talking either about her tumultuous breakup with a man or a general topic. The others got the same information from audio clips only or by reading a transcript.

All the participants were asked to take a memory test after receiving the information. Their attachment styles were also assessed by the 9-item Experiences in Close Relationships—Relationship-Structures questionnaire.

The Findings

The results revealed that attachment-anxious adults are more susceptible to developing false memories. However, attachment-anxious people, in general, are more accurate in their memories when reading or hearing the same details than people with lesser attachment anxiety.

The researchers elaborated: “We believe that highly attachment-anxious individuals are likely intensively analyzing what is being said in the videos we showed them. Their own thoughts and feelings about the video may have gotten ‘mixed up’ with the actual video contents in their minds. Thus, they experienced false memories when we gave them a test regarding the video’s contents.

To Know More You May Refer To

Hudson, N. W., & Chopik, W. J. (2022). Seeing you reminds me of things that never happened: Attachment anxiety predicts false memories when people can see the communicator. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000447

— Share —

Published On:

Last updated on:

— About the Author —

  • The Psychological Toll Of Birth Control Side Effects: What You Need To Know

    The Psychological Toll Of Birth Control Side Effects: What You Need To Know

  • How Medical Alert Systems Support Mental Well-Being For Seniors

    How Medical Alert Systems Support Mental Well-Being For Seniors

  • Mindfulness and Sobriety: How Daily Reflections Foster Mental Clarity

    Mindfulness and Sobriety: How Daily Reflections Foster Mental Clarity

  • How Can You Streamline Your Insurance Check Before Seeing a Psychiatrist in California: A Practical Guide

    How Can You Streamline Your Insurance Check Before Seeing a Psychiatrist in California: A Practical Guide

  • A Mindful Approach to Managing Stress and Emotional Well-Being

    A Mindful Approach to Managing Stress and Emotional Well-Being

  • How Semaglutide Compares to Other Weight Loss Medications

    How Semaglutide Compares to Other Weight Loss Medications

  • Healing Beyond the Battlefield: How Financial Stability and Housing Support Improve Mental Health for Veterans with Disabilities

    Healing Beyond the Battlefield: How Financial Stability and Housing Support Improve Mental Health for Veterans with Disabilities

  • The Role of Early Intervention in Preventing Long-Term Mental Health Struggles

    The Role of Early Intervention in Preventing Long-Term Mental Health Struggles

  • Navigating Mental Health Education: Your Path to a Fulfilling Healthcare Career

    Navigating Mental Health Education: Your Path to a Fulfilling Healthcare Career

  • Botox vs. Fillers: Which is Right for You?

    Botox vs. Fillers: Which is Right for You?