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Everyday State Attachment: Dynamic Features and Role of Trait Attachment
- Jaakko Tammilehto
- Aleksandra Kaurin
- Guy Bosmans
- Peter Kuppens
- Marjo Flykt
- Mervi Vänskä
- Kirsi Peltonen
- Jallu Lindblom
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Description: Most attachment research has traditionally focused on traits, enhancing our understanding of attachment-related individual differences. However, to chart the dynamic properties of the attachment system, more research is needed on the within-person fluctuation of attachment states. In this preregistered ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study, we examined (a) the associations between the baseline, variability, and inertia of each state attachment dimension (security, anxiety, avoidance) and (b) how trait attachment (anxiety and avoidance) predicts these dynamic features. In two adult samples (N = 122 and N = 127), trait attachment dimensions were first assessed using Experiences in Close Relationships–Revised. Then, attachment states were assessed using one-week EMA (4629 and 5322 observations). Results showed that for state security, individuals with a high baseline exhibited lower variability. In contrast, for state avoidance, those with a high baseline showed higher variability. Regarding trait attachment, trait attachment anxiety and avoidance predicted higher baselines of the corresponding states. Moreover, both trait dimensions predicted a lower baseline and higher variability of state security. Our findings provide insights into the real-time regulatory dynamics of the attachment system and their interconnection with trait attachment, underscoring the importance of baseline and variability in understanding how attachment manifests in everyday life.