The Interplay of Attachment Styles, Resilience, and Perceived Social Support on Mental Health Outcomes among Lebanese People

Abstract

Depression and anxiety constitute a growing concern in Lebanon due to ongoing socio-economic and political crises. This paper examines the predictive role of attachment styles (secure, dismissive, preoccupied, and fearful) on mental health outcomes in Lebanese adults while investigating the moderating effects of resilience and perceived social support. 249 Lebanese adults completed the Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Statistical analysis indicated that dismissive attachment was unexpectedly associated with better mental health outcomes, contrasting typical Western findings. Resilience was found to buffer the negative impact of fearful attachment on mental health outcomes, but no significant moderating effects of social support were identified across attachment styles. Findings suggest cultural nuances in attachment and resilience dynamics and emphasize the importance of considering contextual factors when examining mental health predictors. Implications for clinical interventions and culturally sensitive therapeutic practices are discussed, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in the Lebanese context.