Abstract
This study aimed to explore the correlation between multiple attachment relationships and
metacognitive function in clinically stable patients with schizophrenia and its sex differences. Methods: Eighty
stable schizophrenia patients (45 males and 35 females) treated in Hefei Fourth People's Hospital were enrolled
and divided into male and female groups. The Indiana Psychiatric Illness Interview (IPII) and the abbreviated
Metacognition Assessment Scale (MAS-A) were used to assess the metacognitive function of all participants. The
Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures Scale (ECR-RS) was adopted to evaluate multiple
attachment relationships. Independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences
in metacognitive function and ECR-RS scores between the male and female groups. Partial correlation analysis
was conducted to explore the association between multiple attachment relationships and metacognitive function in
clinically stable patients with schizophrenia. Results: The female group had significantly higher total
metacognitive scores (t=-1.989, P<0.05) and decentration scores (D scores) (Z=-3.775, P<0.001) than the male
group. There were no statistically significant differences in the total scores and factor scores of the ECR-RS scale
between the two groups (P>0.05). Partial correlation analysis showed that attachment anxiety in the partner attachment domain (ECR-RS-3) was significantly negatively correlated with decentration scores (D scores) (r=-0.250,
P<0.05), mastery scores (M scores) (r=-0.292, P<0.05), and total scores (r=-0.266, P<0.05) of metacognition
when the age, course and other factors were statistically controlled. Subgroup analysis revealed that in the male
group, partner attachment anxiety was related to decentration scores (D scores); while in the female group, partner
attachment anxiety was associated with mastery scores (M scores). Conclusion: The better partner relationship
in clinically stable patients results better cognitive understanding of self and others and the ability to cope with
social dilemmas, and there are significant sex differences.
Key words
schizophrenia
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Correlation between Multiple Attachment Relationships and Metacognitive Function in Clinically Stable Patients with Schizophrenia and Its Sex Difference[J]. Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction. 2025, 20(6): 311-315
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