This presentation examines the psychological mechanisms linking attachment
insecurity to interpersonal objectification — the tendency to view and treat
others as mere instruments rather than as full human beings. Drawing on
attachment theory and empirical findings from three European countries
(Poland, the UK and Italy; N = 1,222), we present evidence for a systematic link
between attachment insecurity and the tendency to objectify others.
In three correlational studies, individuals with higher levels of attachment
avoidance consistently showed a stronger tendency towards interpersonal
objectification. This relationship was mediated by two critical psychological
processes: diminished theory of mind skills and diminished empathy skills.
Attachment avoidance—characterized by emotional distancing, self-reliance
and discomfort with intimacy—creates a psychological framework that
facilitates viewing others through a transactional lens.
Results show that individuals who have difficulty understanding the mental
states of others (Theory of Mind deficits) and experience lower emotional
resonance with others' experiences (Empathy deficits) are more likely to engage
in market-like exchanges that priorities utility over humanity. Sequential
mediation analyses showed that attachment avoidance predicts objectification
via both cognitive (theory of mind) and affective (empathy) pathways, with
these mechanisms acting both independently and sequentially.
These findings are of great importance for understanding how individual
psychological differences influence susceptibility to market thinking in
interpersonal relationships. The research findings suggest that attachment insecurities, particularly avoidance behaviors, may predispose individuals to
adopt transactional approaches that treat social relationships as cost-benefit
exchanges rather than meaningful human relationships.
The presentation will discuss intervention strategies that focus on promoting
attachment security, enhancing perspective-taking skills, and promoting
empathic skills as potential ways to reduce objectifying tendencies. These
findings offer insights for developing targeted interventions to promote more
compassionate and authentic human relationships and contribute to our broader
understanding of the psychological factors underlying marketized social
dynamics.