The relationship between attachment and mental health at work: a narrative review

Journal article

Background

Well-being at work is a critical concern, with a significant portion of the workforce reporting adverse mental health impacts due to work-related stress.

Objective

This narrative review explores the relationship between attachment theory and work-related mental health, focusing on how attachment influences employee experiences and outcomes.

Methods

A literature search across databases, including PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar, was conducted, emphasizing empirical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.

Results

The literature suggests that secure attachment leads to better emotional regulation, lower stress, and higher job satisfaction. Conversely, insecure attachment contributes to increased burnout, emotional distress, and lower job performance. Supportive leader-follower relationships can mitigate the adverse effects of insecure attachment by providing a secure base for employees. The review also highlights the importance of considering attachment strategies within the context of diversity and systemic challenges and recognizes that survival mechanisms in one context can be unfairly viewed as maladaptive in another.

Conclusions

Enhancing secure attachment through supportive leadership and organizational practices can promote better mental health outcomes and overall workplace well-being.

Authors: McConnell, D; Wong, G; Ferrey, A

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Journal: WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation
• Volume: 81
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 2833-2843
• Publication date: 2025-04-03
• Acceptance date: 2025-02-26
• DOI: 10.1177/10519815251327313
• EISSN: 1875-9270
• ISSN: 1051-9815
• Language: English
• Keywords: occupational health; leadership; work performance; burnout (psychological); anxiety; employee well-being; stress (psychological)