Title : Parental attachment, automatic thoughts, and mindfulness skills among Iranian adolescents
Abstract:
This presentation will explore the intricate relationships between parental attachment, automatic thoughts, and mindfulness skills among adolescents. Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by significant emotional, social, and cognitive changes. Understanding how early attachment experiences influence adolescents' mental processes can provide valuable insights into promoting psychological well-being and resilience.
The discussion will begin by examining the concept of parental attachment, emphasizing its role in shaping adolescents' emotional security and interpersonal relationships. We will review existing research indicating that secure attachment with parents is associated with healthier emotional regulation and lower levels of psychological distress, while insecure attachment can predispose adolescents to maladaptive thought patterns and emotional difficulties.
Next, the presentation will delve into automatic thoughts—spontaneous, involuntary thoughts that often occur in response to internal or external stimuli. These thoughts can be positive or negative and significantly impact adolescents' mood, self-esteem, and behavior. We will discuss how negative automatic thoughts are linked to increased vulnerability to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, highlighting the importance of identifying and modifying these thoughts.
The role of mindfulness skills will then be examined as a potential protective factor. Mindfulness involves paying purposeful, non-judgmental attention to the present moment and has been shown to enhance emotional regulation, reduce stress, and foster a more adaptive cognitive style. We will explore how mindfulness training can help adolescents become more aware of their automatic thoughts, reduce reactivity, and promote healthier emotional responses.
The core of the presentation will focus on the interconnectedness of these three constructs. Specifically, we will discuss how secure parental attachment can serve as a foundation for developing positive automatic thoughts and mindfulness skills. Conversely, insecure attachment may predispose adolescents to negative automatic thoughts, which mindfulness practices can help mitigate. The presentation will highlight empirical findings supporting these relationships and discuss potential interventions aimed at enhancing attachment security and mindfulness to improve adolescent mental health.
