The link between attachment styles and shame proneness: the role of cultural factors. A systematic review

Rezumat

Considering the dynamics of human emotions and relationships, this research explored the interaction between attachment styles and shame proneness in different cultural contexts by reviewing 19 studies following PRISMA guidelines. Although the role of cultural factors could provide new and valuable insights, the majority of studies focused on the strong relationship between attachment style, shame proneness, and shame management styles. Both anxious and avoidant attachment styles have significant indirect effects on psychological distress through shame proneness. Specifically, an anxious attachment style seems to influence psychological distress through a self-attacking shame management style. In contrast, an avoidant attachment style does so through an avoidance style of managing shame. These findings suggest that how individuals attach to others can influence how they experience and manage shame, affecting their overall psychological health. This examination sets the stage for understanding the nuances of shame proneness related to various attachment styles, highlighting the universality and variation of these experiences across different cultures.