Prediction of Risky Behaviors based on Insecure Attachment Styles: Investigation of Mediating Role of Reflective Functioning

The results of studies have shown that insecure attachment is related to risky behaviors. But the underlying mechanism of this relationship has not been investigated. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the mediating role of reflective functioning in the relationship between insecure attachment styles and risky behaviors.

This study was a descriptive-correlation research. The studied sample included the students of Tehran. The studied sample included the students of Tehran. Among them, 329 were selected through available sampling. Subjects completed reflective functioning scale, insecure attachment styles, and high-risk behavior questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Spss-24 and AMOS software. The path analysis method was used to analyze the data.

The results showed the direct effect of reflective functioning on risky behaviors. Also, the mediating role of reflective functioning between attachment styles and risky behaviors was significant.

Based on the findings, it can be concluded that insecure attachment along with reflective functioning play an important role in the formation of risky behaviors of students. For this reason, psychotherapeutic interventions are of special importance to prevent the formation of these risky behaviors.