Do changes in affect moderate the association between attachment anxiety and body dissatisfaction in children? An experimental study by means of the Trier Social Stress Test

- Research found an association between attachment anxiety and body dissatisfaction.
- However, the moderating role of affect has not yet been experimentally examined.
- This study used the Trier Social Stress Test for Children to cause changes in affect.
- Results show that positive affect moderates the association.

ObjectivePrevious studies have already found a positive association between attachment and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors in children and adolescents. However, to our knowledge, no experimental studies have examined whether changes in negative and/or positive affect moderate the association between attachment anxiety and body dissatisfaction in children.MethodA controlled laboratory setting was used to investigate whether changes in state negative and/or positive affect moderate the association between attachment anxiety and body satisfaction in a sample of 81 children (Mage = 11.74). The changes in state affect were caused by the exposure to a performance-related stressor using the Trier Social Stress Test for Children.ResultsChildren with high levels of attachment anxiety reported a decrease in body satisfaction, but only if the TSST-C led to a decrease in their positive affect.DiscussionEarly detection and intervention programs may benefit from addressing insecure attachment and maladaptive emotion regulation in children.