# The Mediating Role of Emotion Dysregulation and Hopelessness in the Association Between Attachment and Meaning in Life

## TL;DR

This study explores how attachment styles affect meaning in life among adolescents, with emotion dysregulation and hopelessness acting as key mediators.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific psychological mechanisms linking attachment to meaning in life in adolescents.

## Key findings

- Secure attachment is linked to higher meaning in life through reduced hopelessness and emotion dysregulation.
- Disorganized attachment influences meaning in life indirectly through hopelessness and emotion dysregulation.
- Hopelessness is a stronger mediator than emotion dysregulation in these associations.

## Abstract

Meaning in life (MIL) is recognized as a protective factor for adolescent mental health, being associated with reduced risks of depression, suicidal ideation, and non-suicidal self-injury. This study examined associations between attachment styles and MIL, with hopelessness and emotion dysregulation as potential mediators. Participants were 2067 Spanish adolescents (51.9% male, 48.1% female; M age = 14.62, SD = 1.80) who completed validated measures of attachment, emotion dysregulation, hopelessness, and MIL. Structural equation modeling indicated that secure attachment was associated with higher MIL both directly and indirectly through lower levels of hopelessness and emotion dysregulation. Disorganized attachment was not directly associated with MIL but was indirectly associated with MIL through these vulnerabilities. Hopelessness emerged as the strongest mediator, while emotion dysregulation was associated with satisfaction and meaning only. Findings highlight psychological vulnerabilities as pathways linking attachment to MIL, with implications for clinical and preventive strategies.