Meadow Wind

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Major

Psychology

Advisor(s)

Cynthia Erdley

Committee Members

Cara Struble, Kelly Jaksa

Graduation Year

May 2025

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Using a systematic literature review of research, this thesis sought to determine whether individuals’ attachment styles are correlated with their willingness to seek mental health care. When people ask, “Why don’t you just get help?” -- more than just a simple answer is required. This paper considered the biopsychosocial model, highlighting the connections among biological predispositions, psychological dynamics (e.g., attachment patterns, emotion regulation), and social factors (e.g., stigma, access to care). Together, these three components of the biopsychosocial model help shape how individuals view mental health care, their attitudes toward seeking help, and long-term engagement and outcomes in treatment. The paper begins by examining how different attachment styles relate to socioemotional functioning in infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Next, predictors of help-seeking and help-giving behaviors are identified. Then, different therapeutic models are analyzed through the lens of attachment, with a particular focus on the client-therapist working alliance. Lastly, limitations and future implications of the research are discussed. Overall, the findings suggest that secure attachment is associated with higher levels of trust within a client-therapist working alliance, whereas preoccupied and dismissive styles often hinder individuals’ ability to form a strong therapeutic alliance. The goal of this thesis is to use an attachment-based lens to emphasize the importance of early intervention, clinical application, and the need for more accessible and effective mental health care.

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