Relationships between Theory of Mind and Attachment Styles in Emerging Adulthood

Several studies have highlighted a relationship between attachment and theory of mind (ToM) in childhood clinical populations. However, little is known about the link ToM general adult population. The aim this study was, therefore, to explore how differences styles influence skills nonclinical population young adults. 69 adults performed Reading Mind Eyes test, Movie for Assessment Social Cognition test (MASC), an Q-sort questionnaire. Findings revealed that dimensions avoidant ambivalent were, respectively, related undermentalizing overmentalizing tendencies. Insecure participants significantly more poorly than secure ones on MASC. More specifically, with style made responses classified as those style. A statistical trend was observed MASC no-ToM score (answer complete lack or literal understanding), lower scores insecure group group. These results suggest individuals are likely under-attribute mental states others, while tend not make attributions when situation requires it. Implications future research discussed.