Attachment Theory and Concern for Others' Welfare: Evidence That Activation of the Sense of Secure Base Promotes Endorsement of Self-Transcendence Values

Three studies examined the effects of chronic and contextual activation of the sense of having a secure base on the endorsement of self-transcendence values. The sense of secure base was primed by asking Israeli undergraduates to recollect personal memories or watch a pictorial representation of supportive others, and this condition was compared against the priming of attachment-unrelated positive affect and the priming of neutral issues. Then, participants reported on the importance of two self-transcendence values - benevolence and universalism (Studies 1-2) - or spontaneously generated their most important values (Study 3). In addition, the chronic sense of attachment security was assessed along the dimensions of avoidance and anxiety. Secure-base priming and lower scores of attachment avoidance were significantly associated with heightened endorsement of self-transcendence values. These effects could not be explained by induced or reported mood. The findings emphasize the relevance of attachment theory for understanding reactions to others' needs and value orientation.