The Structural pattern of Relationship between‏ ‏Insecure Attachment Styles and‏ ‏Depression ‎Symptoms‏ ‏in Students: Mediating Role of Perfectionism

The primary objective of this study was to explore the mediating role of perfectionism in the ‎connection between Insecure attachment and depression symptoms.‎‏ ‏ In the current research, a ‎descriptive and correlational approach was employed, and the proposed model introduced within the study was ‎assessed through the application of structural equation modeling‏.‏‎ The statistical population for this study ‎comprised second-grade high school students from Delijan city, enrolled in the 1401-1402 academic year. A ‎total of 550 students were selected using random cluster sampling. Data collection for this study incorporated ‎multiple instruments, including the attachment scale (Collins and Reed, 1990),‎‏ ‏perfectionism scale ‎‎(Hewitt‏ ‏and Flett, 1991), and the depression subscale of DASS-21 (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). The ‎results indicated that the structural model presented in this research fits the collected data. There was a direct ‎positive relationship between depression and avoidant attachment, anxious attachment, and perfectionism‏ ‏‎(p = ‎‎0/001). Furthermore, the indirect relationship of depression with avoidant attachment‏ ‏‎(p = 0/002) and anxious ‎attachment‏ ‏‎(p = 0/001)‎‏ ‏mediated by perfectionism, was also significant.‎‏ ‏ The findings highlighted ‎the mediating role of perfectionism in the relationship between avoidant and anxious attachment styles‏ ‏with ‎depression. Consequently, enhancing the quality of interpersonal relationships could be achieved through ‎educational initiatives aimed at increasing awareness among parents, students, and educational authorities ‎regarding ineffective perfectionism and detrimental attachment styles. Moreover, these research outcomes ‎hold potential significance in the realms of psychopathology and the development of treatment protocols, ‎particularly by emphasizing the intermediary influence of perfectionism.‎