Uncovering the link between attachment and interpersonal objectification: The role of theory of mind and empathy

StatusVoR
Dublin Core metadata
Alternative title
Authors
Ecer, Emrullah
Raguso, Giuseppe
Andrighetto, Luca
Gąsiorowska, Agata
Monograph
Monograph (alternative title)
Date
2026-02-10
Publisher
Journal title
Acta Psychologica
Issue
Volume
264
Pages
Pages
1-12
DOI
ISSN
0001-6918
ISSN of series
Weblink
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001691826002003?via%3Dihub
Access date
2026-02-10
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
While extensive research has examined the consequences of objectification in specific contexts (e.g., sexual or workplace settings), little is known about how interpersonal personal relationship is related to objectification. Similarly, although attachment theory explains relational patterns, its connection to interpersonal objectification—particularly via socio-cognitive processes like Theory of Mind (ToM) and empathy—remains largely unexplored. This study addresses these gaps by investigating the relationship between attachment insecurity and objectification of others via ToM and empathy. In three well-powered studies conducted in Poland, the UK, and Italy (N = 1222) we found a consistent relationship between attachment avoidance and interpersonal objectification, i.e., the higher the level of attachment avoidance, the higher the tendency to objectify others. Crucially, this relationship was accounted for by levels of ToM (Study 2 & 3) and empathy (Study 3). We discuss the implications of these findings for the literature on attachment styles and objectification, and the importance of integrating these findings into broader models of social and personality psychology.
Abstract other
Keywords PL
Keywords EN
Objectification
Attachment avoidance
Theory of mind
Empath
Keywords other
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 3. Good Health and Well-being ,
SDG 10. Reduced Inequalities
Exhibition title
Place of exhibition (institution)
Exhibition curator
URI
https://share.swps.edu.pl/handle/swps/2180
Type
License type
cc-by
Except as otherwise noted, this item is licensed under the Attribution licence | Permitted use of copyrighted works
Funder
Time range from
Time range to
Contact person name
Related publication
Related publication
Grant/project name
Nastawienie rynkowe jako skutek pozabezpiecznego przywiązania. Eksploracja relacji i jej psychologicznych mechanizmów.
Files
pdf
Uncovering the link between attachment and interpersonal objectification.pdf(1018.89 KB)
Download
Views
Views0
Acquisition Date20.10.2022
Downloads
Downloads0
Acquisition Date20.10.2022
Altmetrics©
Dimensions
Google Scholar
Google Scholar