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Correlation between attachment and personality dimensions and their association to the catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met polimorphism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 March 2020

L. Erkoreka*
Affiliation:
Mental Health Network of Biscay, Centro Salud Mental Barakaldo, Barakaldo, Spain
M.I. Macías
Affiliation:
Mental Health Network of Biscay, Hospital de Zamudio, Zamudio, Spain
A. Arrue
Affiliation:
Mental Health Network of Biscay, Hospital de Zamudio, Zamudio, Spain
N. Basterreche
Affiliation:
Mental Health Network of Biscay, Hospital de Zamudio, Zamudio, Spain
A. Arnaiz
Affiliation:
Mental Health Network of Biscay, Hospital de Zamudio, Zamudio, Spain
E. Gordo
Affiliation:
Mental Health Network of Biscay, Hospital de Zamudio, Zamudio, Spain
O. Olivas
Affiliation:
Mental Health Network of Biscay, Centro Salud Mental Gernika, Gernika, Spain
B. Santos
Affiliation:
Universidad del País Vasco, Neurociencias, Leioa, Spain
M.I. Zamalloa
Affiliation:
Mental Health Network of Biscay, Hospital de Zamudio, Zamudio, Spain
M. Zumárraga
Affiliation:
Mental Health Network of Biscay, Hospital de Zamudio, Zamudio, Spain
M.A. González-Torres
Affiliation:
Hospital Universitario de Basurto, Servicio de Psiquiatría, Bilbao, Spain
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Both attachment style and personality traits are closely related to individual's interpersonal patterns. Association between these constructs has been widely studied, but variability in results makes it difficult to reach definite conclusions. Similarly, dopaminergic pathways are considered to underlie some personality traits and to be related to attachment styles, but evidence, hitherto, remain inconclusive.

Aims

To assess the correlation between personality and attachment dimensions and to study whether a common association to the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism exists.

Methods

One hundred and three Caucasian controls (mean age 39.6 ± 6.4; 65% women) were recruited in the province of Biscay, Spain. DAPP-BQ and ECR-Spanish scales were administered to assess personality and attachment dimensions respectively. DNA was obtained from saliva and the COMT Val158Met polymorphism was determined. Pearson's correlation coefficient and ANOVA were calculated using R statistical software.

Results

High positive correlation is observed between inhibition personality dimension and attachment avoidance (r = 0.75). Besides, both inhibition and avoidance dimensions’ scores are significantly higher in the COMT ValMet genotype than in the other genotypes. MetMet: 63.1 ± 13.6; ValMet: 71.0 ± 13.9; ValVal: 63.0 ± 16.7 (ANOVA F = 3.75, P = 0.027) for inhibition and MetMet: 3.44 ± 0.17; ValMet: 3.82 ± 0.2; ValVal: 3.33 ± 0.23 (ANOVA F = 3.83, P = 0.025) for avoidance.

Conclusions

Attachment patterns are rooted in early interactions with parental figures, and according to our results they could be linked to self-perceived personality traits in adulthood. Our study also suggests that genetics may predispose individuals to certain interaction styles. Our findings, linking ValMet individuals to avoidant attachment, are similar to Luijk's (2011) results, and would support a genetic-environmental model of both attachment and personality.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Type
FC51
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2016
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