Structural and functional neural correlates of self-reported attachment in healthy adults: evidence for an amygdalar involvement

Brain Imaging and Behavior
Arianna RigonMichelle W Voss

Abstract

The concept of attachment in long-term interpersonal relationships has been linked to relationship outcome and social-emotional health. To date, no relationship between the structural properties of the human amygdala and attachment in romantic relationships (measured through self-reported attachment related anxiety and avoidance) has been described. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between amygdala structure as well as amygdala structural and functional connectivity and attachment anxiety and avoidance. To this end, we collected self-report attachment data on a sample of female young adults. We then examined associations between attachment and mean diffusivity, fractional anisotropy and resting state functional connectivity MRI (rs-FC) of the amygdala and its white matter connections with the prefrontal cortex. We found that lower integrity of the left amygdala was linked with attachment avoidance (e.g., being less comfortable in seeking proximity with others and depending on others) and that greater structural integrity of the uncinate fasciculus was positively associated with avoidance. Lastly, we found that stronger rs-FC between the bilateral amygdala and medial prefrontal regions was linked ...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jun 7, 2018·Frontiers in Synaptic Neuroscience·Mellanie Fontes-DutraCarmem Gottfried
Feb 1, 2021·Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience·Eun Jung ChoiSoon-Hyung Yi
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