Attachment and Epistemic Trust in Junior and Senior University Students: The Mediating Role of Affect Regulation and Mentalizing, 2020-2021

Karagiannopoulou, Evangelia (2024). Attachment and Epistemic Trust in Junior and Senior University Students: The Mediating Role of Affect Regulation and Mentalizing, 2020-2021. [Data Collection]. Colchester, Essex: UK Data Service. 10.5255/UKDA-SN-857480

Data description (abstract)

Research on emotional factors and mental health in higher education has gained traction. Much attention has focused on first-year students as a potentially at-risk group, though some studies suggest that all students might face similar risks. This study examines differences between junior and senior undergraduates in terms of mentalizing, emotion regulation (ER), and psychological mindedness, involving cognitive capacities significantly developed by late adolescence. These constructs relate to understanding one's own and others' mental states, potentially mediating the relationship between attachment and epistemic trust (ET). The current study includes 460 undergraduate students, most of whom are female (96%). Results show that senior students score higher on reappraisal, certainty, and interest/curiosity compared to junior students. However, these factors did not mediate the relationship between anxious attachment orientation and ET. Certainty and interest/curiosity mediated the relationship between avoidant attachment orientation and ET, suggesting similar mediation patterns for junior and senior students. On the other hand, suppression and uncertainty/confusion were critical mediators in the relationship between insecure (anxious and avoidant) attachment orientations and epistemic trust. Findings suggest that universities should (a) foster environments that support psychological capacity and facilitate positive learning experiences, and (b) enhance epistemic trust through safe curiosity and develop protective and preventive interventions.

Data creators:

Creator Name	Affiliation	ORCID (as URL)
Karagiannopoulou Evangelia	University College London	https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8613-8331

Contributors:

Name	Affiliation	ORCID (as URL)
Lianos Panayiotis	University of Ioannina	https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8613-8331
Andriopoulou Panoraia	University of Ioannina	https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5745-6741
Rentzios Christos	University of Ioannina	https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3072-3918
Fonagy Peter	University College London	https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0229-0091

Sponsors:

N/A

Topic classification:

Education
Psychology

Keywords:

MEDIATION, EMOTIONAL STATES, MENTAL HEALTH, HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, STUDENTS, EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, TRUST

Date published:

04 Dec 2024 14:52

Last modified:

04 Dec 2024 14:53

Coverage and Methodology

Collection period:

Date from:	Date to:
3 October 2020	30 April 2021

Geographical area:

Ioannina

Country:

Greece

Data collection method:

The present study is part of a larger research project that used a community and university sample and was conducted between October 3rd, 2020, and April 30th, 2021, through social media (Facebook, Viber, MS Messenger) or university advertisements. Participants met inclusion criteria based on age (over 17 years) and language (fluent Greek speakers). They all completed the same set of questionnaires after providing written informed consent.
The university sample was used in the present study, consisting of 460 undergraduate students. Most of the participants were Greek nationals (n = 446; 97%), with most attending the University of Ioannina (n = 383; 83%), especially the Social Sciences and Education departments (Psychology, Preschool Studies, etc). Participants were primarily female (n = 440; 96%), which is common in social and education studies. Age ranged from 17 to 23 years (mean age 20.2 years, SD = 1.14). Of these, 216 (47%) were first- or second-year students (juniors), while 244 (53%) were in their final two years (seniors).
This study received ethical approval from the University of Ioannina Research Ethics Committee (35299/30-09-2020) and was conducted in accordance with ethical standards and guidelines, ensuring the protection of participants’ rights, privacy, and well-being. All data collected was kept confidential and used solely for the purposes of this research.

Observation unit:

Individual

Kind of data:

Numeric

Type of data:

Other surveys

Resource language:

English, Greek

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