Development and Validation of Visual Search Test to Measure Attentional Bias Towards Attachment-Related Images

Investigating the cognitive and neurophysiological foundations of attachment requires assessing its automatic dimensions. This study aimed to develop and validate a visual search test to measure attentional bias toward attachment-related images.
 
This descriptive study included a sample of 258 students (153 women) with an average age of 21.3, selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed a computerized visual search test, the Revised Experiences in Close Relationships Scale (Fraley et al., 2000), the Adult Attachment Questionnaire (Hazan & Shaver, 1987), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 2002). Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and mixed analysis of variance.
 
Regarding convergent validity, attentional bias showed a positive and significant relationship with anxiety (p < 0.05). Additionally, attachment dimensions (anxiety and avoidance) were negatively correlated with attentional bias (p < 0.05). In terms of discriminant validity, the test effectively distinguished securely attached individuals from insecure groups (p < 0.001), with insecure groups displaying greater avoidance of attachment-related images. Reliability analysis indicated that the visual search test had moderate test-retest reliability (0.46 to 0.57) and relatively high internal consistency (0.63 to 0.77).
 
The findings support the validity and reliability of the visual search test for measuring attachment-related attentional bias. These results encourage researchers to explore the automatic dimensions of attachment rather than relying solely on self-report measures.