Attachment Theory and Concern for Others'Welfare: Evidence That Activation of the Sense of Secure Base Promotes Endorsement of Self-Transcendence Values

Three experiments with Israeli undergraduates examined how feeling secure—either through recalling supportive memories or viewing pictures of caring others—influences the importance placed on values like benevolence and universalism. Participants who were primed with a sense of security, as well as those with naturally lower attachment avoidance, rated these self-transcendence values as more important. These effects were not due to mood. The findings suggest that a sense of secure attachment enhances concern for others and shapes value priorities.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Three studies examined the effects of chronic and contextual activation of the sense of having a secure base on the endorsement of self-transcendence values. The sense of secure base was primed by asking Israeli undergraduates to recollect personal memories or watch a pictorial representation of supportive others, and this condition was compared against the priming of attachment-unrelated positive affect and the priming of neutral issues. Then, participants reported on the importance of two self-transcendence values-benevolence and universalism (Studies 1-2)-or spontaneously generated their most important values (Study 3). In addition, the chronic sense of attachment security was assessed along the dimensions of avoidance and anxiety. Secure-base priming and lower scores of attachment avoidance were significantly associated with heightened endorsement of self-transcendence values. These effects could not be explained by induced or reported mood. The findings emphasize the relevance of attachment theory for understanding reactions to others' needs and value orientation.