Tsachi Ein-Dor | The Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya (original) (raw)

Papers by Tsachi Ein-Dor

Social Psychological and Personality Science, 2011

People who score high on attachment anxiety or avoidance display poorer adjustment than secure in... more People who score high on attachment anxiety or avoidance display poorer adjustment than secure individuals in various social, emotional, and behavioral domains. Yet it may be advantageous for groups to include insecure as well as secure members. The authors tested predictions from social defense theory concerning advantages to groups of including members with different attachment patterns. A total of 46 groups were unobtrusively observed in a threatening laboratory situation: The room gradually filled with smoke, apparently because of a malfunctioning computer. Attachment anxiety was associated with quicker detection of the danger and therefore with greater group effectiveness. Attachment-related avoidance was associated with speedier escape responses to the danger once it was detected and therefore with greater group safety. The results remained significant even when extraversion and neuroticism, two possible confounds, were statistically controlled. Implications of the findings fo...

Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2010

Bowlby's (1969/1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and conceptual ... more Bowlby's (1969/1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and conceptual elaborations. Although attachment theory and research propose that attachment security provides a person with many adaptive advantages during all phases of the life cycle, numerous studies indicate that almost half of the human species can be classified as insecurely attached or insecure with respect to attachment. It seems odd that evolution left humans in this vulnerable position unless there are some advantages, under at least some conditions, to anxious and avoidant attachment styles. We argue that a social group containing members with different attachment patterns may be more conducive to survival than a homogeneous group of securely attached individuals. In making this argument, we extend the scope of attachment theory and research by considering a broader range of adaptive functions of insecure attachment strategies. We also present preliminary data to support our argument.

Lying is deep-rooted in our nature, as over 90% of all people lie. Laypeople, however, do only sl... more Lying is deep-rooted in our nature, as over 90% of all people lie. Laypeople, however, do only slightly better than chance when
detecting lies and deceptions. Recently, attachment anxiety was linked with people’s hypervigilance toward threat-related cues.
Accordingly, we tested whether attachment anxiety predicts people’s ability to detect deceit and to play poker—a game that
is based on players’ ability to detect cheating. In Study 1, 202 participants watched a series of interpersonal interactions that
comprised subtle clues to the honesty or dishonesty of the speakers. In Study 2, 58 participants watched clips in which such
cues were absent. Participants were asked to decide whether the main characters were honest or dishonest. In Study 3, we
asked 35 semiprofessional poker players to participate in a poker tournament, and then we predicted the amount of money
won during the game. Results indicated that attachment anxiety, but not other types of anxiety, predicted more accurate
detection of deceitful statements (Studies 1–2) and a greater amount of money won during a game of poker (Study 3). Results
are discussed in relation to the possible adaptive functions of certain personality characteristics, such as attachment anxiety,
often viewed as undesirable.

People often aspire for true love and committed romantic relationships. These relationships, howe... more People often aspire for true love and committed romantic relationships. These relationships, however, are
recurrently threatened by partner infidelity. The present research tested a new infidelity-detection model, the
rivalry sensitivity hypothesis, that posits that women are more sensitive to cues of infidelity than men are, and
tend to focus their attention on potential rivals in their mate's vicinity, whereas men show increased
sensitivity of their own partners. In a series of four studies, we found that women displayed greater alertness
to cues of potential partner unfaithfulness than did men, were quicker and more accurate in detecting cues of
infidelity, but were not better than men in detecting other threats. Women also focused their attention on
potential rivals (other women), whereas men's attention was specifically directed at monitoring their own
partner's intents. These findings suggest that women and men have developed different strategies aimed at
achieving a similar outcome – mate retention.

Bowlby’s (1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and conceptual elabo... more Bowlby’s (1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and conceptual elaborations. Although attachment theory and research propose that attachment security provides a person with many adaptive advantages, during all phases of the life cycle, numerous studies indicate that almost half of the human species can be classified as insecurely attached or insecure with respect to attachment. It seems odd that evolution left humans in this vulnerable position, unless there are some advantages to individuals or groups, under at least some conditions, of anxious and avoidant attachment styles. I argue that a social group containing members with different attachment patterns may be more conducive to survival than a homogeneous group of securely attached individuals because each attachment disposition has specific adaptive advantages that promote the survival of the individual and people around him or her when facing threats and perils. In making this argument, I extend the scope of attachment theory and research by considering a broader range of adaptive functions of insecure attachment strategies, and present data to support my argument.

Bowlby’s (1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and conceptual elabo... more Bowlby’s (1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and conceptual elaborations.
Although attachment theory and research propose that attachment security provides a person
with many adaptive advantages, during all phases of the life cycle, numerous studies indicate that almost
half of the human species can be classified as insecurely attached or insecure with respect to attachment.
To date, the mainstream view in attachment theory and research is that attachment insecurity incurs
only disadvantages. I, however, argue that each attachment disposition – security, anxiety, avoidance –
has unique adaptive advantages in promoting survival. In making this argument, I extend the scope of
attachment theory and research by considering a broader range of adaptive functions of insecure attachment
strategies, and present data to support my argument.

Journal of Affective Disorders, 2010

Background: This study aims to: (a) follow-up the prevalence of comorbidity of posttraumatic stre... more Background: This study aims to: (a) follow-up the prevalence of comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression; (b) determine the chronological relations between these disorder; and (c) examine whether PTSD comorbid with anxiety and depression is implicated in more impaired functioning than PTSD by itself. Methods: 664 war veterans were followed up 1, 2, and 20 years after their participation in the 1982 Lebanon War. Comorbidity was assessed by self reported PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms; impairment in psychosocial functioning was assessed by self reported problems in occupational, social, sexual and family functioning. Results: At each point of assessment, rates of triple comorbidity (PTSD, anxiety and depression; 26.7-30.1%) were higher than rates of PTSD, either by itself (9.3-11.1%), or comorbid with depression (1.2-4.5%) or anxiety (2.9-4.5%). PTSD predicted depression, anxiety, and comorbid disorders, but not vice versa. At time 1 and 2 assessments, triple comorbidity was associated with more impaired functioning than PTSD alone. In addition, triple comorbidity at Time 2 was associated with more impaired functioning than double comorbidity. Limitations: Since measurements did not cover the entire span of 20 years since the war, the entire spectrum of changes could not be monitored. Conclusions: Almost one half of war veterans would endorse a lifetime triple comorbidity, and those who do, are likely to have more impaired functioning. The findings support the perspective that views PTSD as the dominant disorder following traumatic events, which impels the development of comorbid anxiety and depression.

Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2009

The aim of this study was to examine the long-term trajectories and interrelationships of posttra... more The aim of this study was to examine the long-term trajectories and interrelationships of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters (intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal) in clinical and nonclinical groups of war veterans. Six hundred seventy-five Israeli veterans from the 1982 Lebanon War were assessed. The clinical group consisted of 369 who had combat stress reaction (CSR) during the war, and the nonclinical group consisted of 306 veterans with no antecedent CSR. The 2 groups were matched in age, education, military rank, and assignment. They were prospectively evaluated 1, 2, and 20 years after the war. The clinical group endorsed a higher number of symptoms than the nonclinical group, both cross-sectionally and across time. In both the clinical and nonclinical groups, the clusters of intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal were interrelated at any given point in time and across 20 years. In both groups, avoidance was found to be a particularly stable symptom cluster over time. Finally, hyperarousal levels 1 year after the war were found to play an important role in both groups, as they predicted future avoidance and intrusion symptoms. The findings of this study suggest that PTSD is not a monolithic disorder, as symptom clusters differ in several important aspects. Also, the course and severity of symptoms differ between clinical and nonclinical groups. Finally, practitioners are encouraged to focus on the identification and treatment of early hyperarousal due to its prominent role in the development of other PTSD symptoms.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2010

Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2009

Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 2005

Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 2010

Previous research has suggested that the physical aspects of human nature in general, and physica... more Previous research has suggested that the physical aspects of human nature in general, and physical human frailties in particular become disagreeable and repugnant following death primes. The current research tested this hypothesis in two studies using an eye-tracking methodology. Participants were subliminally primed with death or with a control word and then viewed a series of arrays containing four pictures each, during which their eye-movements were monitored. In Study 1, the arrays included pictures of physical injury or neutral objects, and in Study 2 pictures of physical injury, threatening images, and neutral objects. The results indicated that in both studies death primes significantly decreased gaze duration towards pictures of physical injury, and did not have a significant effect on gaze duration towards neutral images. However, in Study 2 death primes increased gaze duration towards threatening images. The discussion examines the role of motivated unconscious attention in terror management processes.

Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2006

Two studies, conducted 3 months before the Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip and the Northern W... more Two studies, conducted 3 months before the Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip and the Northern West Bank, examined whether reminders of death would lead right-wing Israelis to endorse violent resistance against the disengagement plan. More specifically, we hypothesized that this reaction would be particularly strong among participants high in denial-those who were unable to come to terms with the Israeli withdrawal. In Study 1 (N = 63), right-wing Israeli undergraduates were primed with death and asked to indicate whether they view violent resistance as legitimate and whether they would be willing to partake in such violence. In Study 2 (N = 42), Israeli settlers in the Gaza Strip completed a similar procedure as in Study 1. In both studies, primes of death led to greater support of violent resistance, but only among participants high in denial. The discussion examines the applicability of terror management theory to understanding real-life political crises.

In a recent article in Perspectives on Psychological Science, Ein-Dor et al.(2010) propose that i... more In a recent article in Perspectives on Psychological Science, Ein-Dor et al.(2010) propose that insecure attachment styles harm the biological fitness of individuals, yet may have been favored by natural selection because they provide benefits for the group. This novel hypothesis proclaims that groups containing a mixture of secure and insecure attachment styles deal more effectively with hazards, such as venomous snakes or fires, because of earlier detection and escape.

Abstract Bowlby's (1969/1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and co... more Abstract Bowlby's (1969/1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and conceptual elaborations. Although attachment theory and research propose that attachment security provides a person with many adaptive advantages during all phases of the life cycle, numerous studies indicate that almost half of the human species can be classified as insecurely attached or insecure with respect to attachment.

Abstract 1. We used actor–partner interdependence modeling to explore associations among attachme... more Abstract 1. We used actor–partner interdependence modeling to explore associations among attachment-related dyadic processes, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in war veterans, and secondary traumatic stress (STS) in their wives. A sample of 157 Israeli couples (85 former prisoners of war and their wives and a comparison group of 72 veterans not held captive and their wives) completed self-report scales assessing attachment insecurities (anxiety, avoidance) and PTSD symptoms.

In this study, we assessed the 17-year trajectories of attachment insecurities (anxiety and avoid... more In this study, we assessed the 17-year trajectories of attachment insecurities (anxiety and avoidance) and examined their relations to having been a prisoner of war and suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The sample included two groups of Israeli veterans from the 1973 Yom Kippur war: ex-prisoners of war and comparable control individuals who had not been held captive. They completed self-report measures of anxious and avoidant attachment and PTSD at three time points: 18, 30, and 35 years after the war.

When God looked upon man, he or she contended that,“It is not good for the man to be alone.”(Gene... more When God looked upon man, he or she contended that,“It is not good for the man to be alone.”(Genesis, 2: 18). Theory and research have indeed indicated that in the course of evolution, humans lived in small, highly interactive groups of kin, and formed complex social relationships, which are unique among mammals. Because social solutions to adaptive challenges were so crucial for human survival, many of our psychological mechanisms undoubtedly evolved to support this aspect of human existence (Buss, 1995).

Abstract Attachment-related anxiety has repeatedly been associated with poorer adjustment in vari... more Abstract Attachment-related anxiety has repeatedly been associated with poorer adjustment in various social, emotional, and behavioral domains. Building on social defense theory, we examined a possible advantage of having some group members who score high in attachment anxiety–a heightened tendency to deliver a warning message without delay. We led participants to believe that they accidently activated a computer virus that erased an experimenter's computer.

Social Psychological and Personality Science, 2011

People who score high on attachment anxiety or avoidance display poorer adjustment than secure in... more People who score high on attachment anxiety or avoidance display poorer adjustment than secure individuals in various social, emotional, and behavioral domains. Yet it may be advantageous for groups to include insecure as well as secure members. The authors tested predictions from social defense theory concerning advantages to groups of including members with different attachment patterns. A total of 46 groups were unobtrusively observed in a threatening laboratory situation: The room gradually filled with smoke, apparently because of a malfunctioning computer. Attachment anxiety was associated with quicker detection of the danger and therefore with greater group effectiveness. Attachment-related avoidance was associated with speedier escape responses to the danger once it was detected and therefore with greater group safety. The results remained significant even when extraversion and neuroticism, two possible confounds, were statistically controlled. Implications of the findings fo...

Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2010

Bowlby's (1969/1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and conceptual ... more Bowlby's (1969/1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and conceptual elaborations. Although attachment theory and research propose that attachment security provides a person with many adaptive advantages during all phases of the life cycle, numerous studies indicate that almost half of the human species can be classified as insecurely attached or insecure with respect to attachment. It seems odd that evolution left humans in this vulnerable position unless there are some advantages, under at least some conditions, to anxious and avoidant attachment styles. We argue that a social group containing members with different attachment patterns may be more conducive to survival than a homogeneous group of securely attached individuals. In making this argument, we extend the scope of attachment theory and research by considering a broader range of adaptive functions of insecure attachment strategies. We also present preliminary data to support our argument.

Lying is deep-rooted in our nature, as over 90% of all people lie. Laypeople, however, do only sl... more Lying is deep-rooted in our nature, as over 90% of all people lie. Laypeople, however, do only slightly better than chance when
detecting lies and deceptions. Recently, attachment anxiety was linked with people’s hypervigilance toward threat-related cues.
Accordingly, we tested whether attachment anxiety predicts people’s ability to detect deceit and to play poker—a game that
is based on players’ ability to detect cheating. In Study 1, 202 participants watched a series of interpersonal interactions that
comprised subtle clues to the honesty or dishonesty of the speakers. In Study 2, 58 participants watched clips in which such
cues were absent. Participants were asked to decide whether the main characters were honest or dishonest. In Study 3, we
asked 35 semiprofessional poker players to participate in a poker tournament, and then we predicted the amount of money
won during the game. Results indicated that attachment anxiety, but not other types of anxiety, predicted more accurate
detection of deceitful statements (Studies 1–2) and a greater amount of money won during a game of poker (Study 3). Results
are discussed in relation to the possible adaptive functions of certain personality characteristics, such as attachment anxiety,
often viewed as undesirable.

People often aspire for true love and committed romantic relationships. These relationships, howe... more People often aspire for true love and committed romantic relationships. These relationships, however, are
recurrently threatened by partner infidelity. The present research tested a new infidelity-detection model, the
rivalry sensitivity hypothesis, that posits that women are more sensitive to cues of infidelity than men are, and
tend to focus their attention on potential rivals in their mate's vicinity, whereas men show increased
sensitivity of their own partners. In a series of four studies, we found that women displayed greater alertness
to cues of potential partner unfaithfulness than did men, were quicker and more accurate in detecting cues of
infidelity, but were not better than men in detecting other threats. Women also focused their attention on
potential rivals (other women), whereas men's attention was specifically directed at monitoring their own
partner's intents. These findings suggest that women and men have developed different strategies aimed at
achieving a similar outcome – mate retention.

Bowlby’s (1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and conceptual elabo... more Bowlby’s (1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and conceptual elaborations. Although attachment theory and research propose that attachment security provides a person with many adaptive advantages, during all phases of the life cycle, numerous studies indicate that almost half of the human species can be classified as insecurely attached or insecure with respect to attachment. It seems odd that evolution left humans in this vulnerable position, unless there are some advantages to individuals or groups, under at least some conditions, of anxious and avoidant attachment styles. I argue that a social group containing members with different attachment patterns may be more conducive to survival than a homogeneous group of securely attached individuals because each attachment disposition has specific adaptive advantages that promote the survival of the individual and people around him or her when facing threats and perils. In making this argument, I extend the scope of attachment theory and research by considering a broader range of adaptive functions of insecure attachment strategies, and present data to support my argument.

Bowlby’s (1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and conceptual elabo... more Bowlby’s (1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and conceptual elaborations.
Although attachment theory and research propose that attachment security provides a person
with many adaptive advantages, during all phases of the life cycle, numerous studies indicate that almost
half of the human species can be classified as insecurely attached or insecure with respect to attachment.
To date, the mainstream view in attachment theory and research is that attachment insecurity incurs
only disadvantages. I, however, argue that each attachment disposition – security, anxiety, avoidance –
has unique adaptive advantages in promoting survival. In making this argument, I extend the scope of
attachment theory and research by considering a broader range of adaptive functions of insecure attachment
strategies, and present data to support my argument.

Journal of Affective Disorders, 2010

Background: This study aims to: (a) follow-up the prevalence of comorbidity of posttraumatic stre... more Background: This study aims to: (a) follow-up the prevalence of comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression; (b) determine the chronological relations between these disorder; and (c) examine whether PTSD comorbid with anxiety and depression is implicated in more impaired functioning than PTSD by itself. Methods: 664 war veterans were followed up 1, 2, and 20 years after their participation in the 1982 Lebanon War. Comorbidity was assessed by self reported PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms; impairment in psychosocial functioning was assessed by self reported problems in occupational, social, sexual and family functioning. Results: At each point of assessment, rates of triple comorbidity (PTSD, anxiety and depression; 26.7-30.1%) were higher than rates of PTSD, either by itself (9.3-11.1%), or comorbid with depression (1.2-4.5%) or anxiety (2.9-4.5%). PTSD predicted depression, anxiety, and comorbid disorders, but not vice versa. At time 1 and 2 assessments, triple comorbidity was associated with more impaired functioning than PTSD alone. In addition, triple comorbidity at Time 2 was associated with more impaired functioning than double comorbidity. Limitations: Since measurements did not cover the entire span of 20 years since the war, the entire spectrum of changes could not be monitored. Conclusions: Almost one half of war veterans would endorse a lifetime triple comorbidity, and those who do, are likely to have more impaired functioning. The findings support the perspective that views PTSD as the dominant disorder following traumatic events, which impels the development of comorbid anxiety and depression.

Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2009

The aim of this study was to examine the long-term trajectories and interrelationships of posttra... more The aim of this study was to examine the long-term trajectories and interrelationships of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters (intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal) in clinical and nonclinical groups of war veterans. Six hundred seventy-five Israeli veterans from the 1982 Lebanon War were assessed. The clinical group consisted of 369 who had combat stress reaction (CSR) during the war, and the nonclinical group consisted of 306 veterans with no antecedent CSR. The 2 groups were matched in age, education, military rank, and assignment. They were prospectively evaluated 1, 2, and 20 years after the war. The clinical group endorsed a higher number of symptoms than the nonclinical group, both cross-sectionally and across time. In both the clinical and nonclinical groups, the clusters of intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal were interrelated at any given point in time and across 20 years. In both groups, avoidance was found to be a particularly stable symptom cluster over time. Finally, hyperarousal levels 1 year after the war were found to play an important role in both groups, as they predicted future avoidance and intrusion symptoms. The findings of this study suggest that PTSD is not a monolithic disorder, as symptom clusters differ in several important aspects. Also, the course and severity of symptoms differ between clinical and nonclinical groups. Finally, practitioners are encouraged to focus on the identification and treatment of early hyperarousal due to its prominent role in the development of other PTSD symptoms.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2010

Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2009

Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 2005

Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 2010

Previous research has suggested that the physical aspects of human nature in general, and physica... more Previous research has suggested that the physical aspects of human nature in general, and physical human frailties in particular become disagreeable and repugnant following death primes. The current research tested this hypothesis in two studies using an eye-tracking methodology. Participants were subliminally primed with death or with a control word and then viewed a series of arrays containing four pictures each, during which their eye-movements were monitored. In Study 1, the arrays included pictures of physical injury or neutral objects, and in Study 2 pictures of physical injury, threatening images, and neutral objects. The results indicated that in both studies death primes significantly decreased gaze duration towards pictures of physical injury, and did not have a significant effect on gaze duration towards neutral images. However, in Study 2 death primes increased gaze duration towards threatening images. The discussion examines the role of motivated unconscious attention in terror management processes.

Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2006

Two studies, conducted 3 months before the Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip and the Northern W... more Two studies, conducted 3 months before the Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip and the Northern West Bank, examined whether reminders of death would lead right-wing Israelis to endorse violent resistance against the disengagement plan. More specifically, we hypothesized that this reaction would be particularly strong among participants high in denial-those who were unable to come to terms with the Israeli withdrawal. In Study 1 (N = 63), right-wing Israeli undergraduates were primed with death and asked to indicate whether they view violent resistance as legitimate and whether they would be willing to partake in such violence. In Study 2 (N = 42), Israeli settlers in the Gaza Strip completed a similar procedure as in Study 1. In both studies, primes of death led to greater support of violent resistance, but only among participants high in denial. The discussion examines the applicability of terror management theory to understanding real-life political crises.

In a recent article in Perspectives on Psychological Science, Ein-Dor et al.(2010) propose that i... more In a recent article in Perspectives on Psychological Science, Ein-Dor et al.(2010) propose that insecure attachment styles harm the biological fitness of individuals, yet may have been favored by natural selection because they provide benefits for the group. This novel hypothesis proclaims that groups containing a mixture of secure and insecure attachment styles deal more effectively with hazards, such as venomous snakes or fires, because of earlier detection and escape.

Abstract Bowlby's (1969/1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and co... more Abstract Bowlby's (1969/1982) attachment theory has generated an enormous body of research and conceptual elaborations. Although attachment theory and research propose that attachment security provides a person with many adaptive advantages during all phases of the life cycle, numerous studies indicate that almost half of the human species can be classified as insecurely attached or insecure with respect to attachment.

Abstract 1. We used actor–partner interdependence modeling to explore associations among attachme... more Abstract 1. We used actor–partner interdependence modeling to explore associations among attachment-related dyadic processes, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in war veterans, and secondary traumatic stress (STS) in their wives. A sample of 157 Israeli couples (85 former prisoners of war and their wives and a comparison group of 72 veterans not held captive and their wives) completed self-report scales assessing attachment insecurities (anxiety, avoidance) and PTSD symptoms.

In this study, we assessed the 17-year trajectories of attachment insecurities (anxiety and avoid... more In this study, we assessed the 17-year trajectories of attachment insecurities (anxiety and avoidance) and examined their relations to having been a prisoner of war and suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The sample included two groups of Israeli veterans from the 1973 Yom Kippur war: ex-prisoners of war and comparable control individuals who had not been held captive. They completed self-report measures of anxious and avoidant attachment and PTSD at three time points: 18, 30, and 35 years after the war.

When God looked upon man, he or she contended that,“It is not good for the man to be alone.”(Gene... more When God looked upon man, he or she contended that,“It is not good for the man to be alone.”(Genesis, 2: 18). Theory and research have indeed indicated that in the course of evolution, humans lived in small, highly interactive groups of kin, and formed complex social relationships, which are unique among mammals. Because social solutions to adaptive challenges were so crucial for human survival, many of our psychological mechanisms undoubtedly evolved to support this aspect of human existence (Buss, 1995).

Abstract Attachment-related anxiety has repeatedly been associated with poorer adjustment in vari... more Abstract Attachment-related anxiety has repeatedly been associated with poorer adjustment in various social, emotional, and behavioral domains. Building on social defense theory, we examined a possible advantage of having some group members who score high in attachment anxiety–a heightened tendency to deliver a warning message without delay. We led participants to believe that they accidently activated a computer virus that erased an experimenter's computer.