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Is Attachment Genetic Or Environmental? The Latest Research

2024/12/12

ManTalks Podcast

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Connor Beaton

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Connor Beaton: 最新研究表明，依恋风格的形成既受遗传因素影响，也受环境因素影响。研究利用明尼苏达双胞胎注册中心的数据，对1377对双胞胎的依恋风格进行了调查，包括他们对父母、伴侣和朋友的依恋。结果显示，依恋风格约有36%的遗传性，这意味着如果父母是回避型依恋，那么孩子更有可能继承这种依恋风格。此外，约64%的依恋风格归因于非共享环境因素，对父母的特定依恋风格的遗传力估计值较高，约为51%。研究还发现，回避型依恋的遗传性高于焦虑型依恋，这表明回避型依恋可能更多地与遗传因素有关，而焦虑型依恋可能更多地与环境因素有关。值得注意的是，个体在不同关系中可能表现出不同的依恋风格。研究清晰地区分了回避型和焦虑型依恋，并指出回避型依恋更具有遗传性，而焦虑型依恋更受环境影响。部分依恋风格是在婴儿时期语言发展之前形成的，这表明依恋风格不仅是认知模式，也是神经系统取向。因此，即使依恋风格具有遗传性，也不意味着无法改变。我们可以通过努力改变依恋风格，建立更安全、更健康的依恋关系。有很多资源可以帮助人们改变依恋风格。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

What percentage of attachment style is influenced by genetics?

Roughly 36% of attachment style is influenced by genetics, according to the study.

How much of attachment style is influenced by environmental factors?

About 64% of attachment style is influenced by environmental factors, particularly those not shared between twins.

Which attachment style is more hereditary: avoidant or anxious?

Avoidant attachment style is more hereditary, while anxious attachment style is more influenced by environmental factors.

Is attachment style entirely genetic or environmental?

Attachment style is a combination of both genetic and environmental influences, with genetics accounting for about 36% and environment for 64%.

Can attachment styles change over time?

Yes, attachment styles can change. Even if they have a genetic component, individuals can work towards more secure and healthy attachment styles.

What does the study suggest about parent-specific attachment styles?

Parent-specific attachment styles have a higher heritability estimate of about 51%, meaning parental attachment styles significantly influence a child's attachment style.

What is the significance of pre-verbal attachment?

Pre-verbal attachment means that a significant part of attachment orientation develops before an infant has language, influencing their nervous system and body responses in relationships.

How does the study explain the difference in attachment styles across different relationships?

Different relationships can activate different parts of one's attachment style, leading to variations in attachment behavior depending on the relationship and partner.

What is the takeaway regarding genetic influence on attachment styles?

While attachment styles have a genetic component, it doesn't mean they are fixed or unchangeable. Individuals can work on developing healthier attachment patterns.

Chapters

This chapter explores a recent study on adult attachment styles using data from the Minnesota Twin Registry. The study revealed a significant genetic component (around 36%) influencing attachment styles, with avoidance being more heritable than anxiety. However, a larger portion (64%) is attributed to non-shared environmental factors, highlighting the interplay of nature and nurture.

36% heritability of attachment style
Avoidant attachment is more heritable than anxious attachment
64% influence from non-shared environmental factors

Shownotes Transcript

Talking points: attachment, genetics, psychology

Attachment as a framework for working on and healing your relationships is powerful stuff. But it’s also complex. I wanted to nerd out a bit this week with all of you over this fascinating study on attachment, genetics, and environment—with a PSA at the end.

Dig in and let me know what you think!

You can find the abstract of the study and request a full PDF here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385437792_Genetic_and_environmental_contributions_to_adult_attachment_styles_Evidence_from_the_Minnesota_Twin_Registry)

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:04:28) - Why it’s interesting and a potential game changer, and why heritability doesn’t mean it’s game over

Pick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/)

Heard about attachment but don’t know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To Attachment)

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