AUTHOR=Cao Yuting , Zhang Hao , Cao Xiancai , Wang Dahua 

TITLE=General attachment and behavioral problem among Chinese adolescents: a serial multiple mediation model

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1621111

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1621111

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=IntroductionGrounded in the attachment hierarchy model and attachment control system model, this study explored the link between general attachment and adolescent behavioral problems, focusing on the sequential mediation of parent–child attachment and self-regulation within the dual-system framework.MethodsA survey of 568 adolescents (M = 16.58 years) assessed general and parent–child attachment, self-control, and behavioral problems.ResultsResults showed that general attachment predicted behavioral problems via parent–child attachment, which was negatively associated with general attachment. Moreover, attachment avoidance predicted behavioral problems through the control system, while attachment anxiety did so via the impulsive system.DiscussionThese findings highlight distinct pathways linking attachment dimensions to adolescent behavior, supporting both theoretical models.