• A
  • A
  • A
  • ABC
  • ABC
  • ABC
  • А
  • А
  • А
  • А
  • А
Regular version of the site

The Role of Attachment Theory in the Occurence of Depression and Anxiety

Student: Entyakova Anastasia

Supervisor: Olga Chekunkova

Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences

Educational Programme: Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Business Consulting (Master)

Final Grade: 8

Year of Graduation: 2024

The purpose of the research is to examine the main points of psychoanalytic theory regarding the nature, mechanisms of formation, symptoms and therapy of anxiety-depression, as well as to investigate the foundations and novelties of attachment theory and, as a result, to explore the role of attachment theory in the occurrence of anxiety-depression in an individual. Within the framework of the research the following tasks were fulfilled: the analysis of the main psychoanalytical concepts to understand the nature of anxiety and depression; the analysis of factors influencing the development of anxiety-depressive state according to psychoanalytical theory; the identifiсation of the features of psychoanalytical diagnosis and psychotherapy of anxiety-depressive disorder; the investigation of the main aspects of attachment theory, including Bowlby’s ideas and the development of Ainsworth, and their connection with anxiety-depressive disorders, as well as the assessment of the impact of attachment theory on a case study, including diagnosis and research into the psycho-emotional state of the client, as well as a demonstration of the practical application of attachment theory through a case study and recommendations for practitioners. In the result of the research it was concluded that the quality of attachment in childhood has a significant impact on our social relationships and connections in adulthood. People with secure attachments tend to show greater self-confidence, establish close relationships more easily, and cope better with stress. While people with unreliable attachments may have difficulty establishing trusting relationships and often face communication problems, they are also more at risk of anxiety and depression. In this research paper, special attention is paid to how attachment theory can serve as a basis for psychological therapy and practice in the field of mental health, and the integration of attachment theory into therapeutic or coaching practice will provide specialists with new approaches for counseling, therapy and rehabilitation of clients with anxiety-depressive conditions.

Full text (added May 27, 2024)

Student Theses at HSE must be completed in accordance with the University Rules and regulations specified by each educational programme.

Summaries of all theses must be published and made freely available on the HSE website.

The full text of a thesis can be published in open access on the HSE website only if the authoring student (copyright holder) agrees, or, if the thesis was written by a team of students, if all the co-authors (copyright holders) agree. After a thesis is published on the HSE website, it obtains the status of an online publication.

Student theses are objects of copyright and their use is subject to limitations in accordance with the Russian Federation’s law on intellectual property.

In the event that a thesis is quoted or otherwise used, reference to the author’s name and the source of quotation is required.

Search all student theses