Relational roots of retributive vs. restorative justice: attachment insecurity predicts harsher responses to crime

Crime is among the most important issues to U.S. voters, often determining the outcome of major elections, with consequences for public policy. In two studies, we examine the role of attachment in predicting responses to crime. In Study 1 (N = 561), attachment avoidance was associated with reduced support for restorative justice. Attachment anxiety was indirectly linked to support for retributive justice, via heightened beliefs in a dangerous world and mindsets that people cannot change. Study 2 (N = 327) replicated results from Study 1 and demonstrated that a brief experimental intervention to boost individuals’ felt security reduced negative attributions about a crime suspect’s motives. Among participants high in attachment avoidance at baseline, boosting security mitigated punitive responses toward the suspect–reducing recommended jail time, pessimistic beliefs about rehabilitation, negative attributions, and negative emotions. Findings have implications for understanding and shifting public attitudes and policy regarding criminal justice.