Gender differences in the association between circadian preference and attachment style

Objective: The present study aims to explore gender differences in the association between circadian preference and attachment style in a community sample. Methods: A total of 171 community-dwelling adults (98 males and 73 females, mean age=41.06±8.21 years) were recruited. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) was used to measure the circadian preferences, and attachment style was assessed by the Relationship Style Questionnaire (RSQ). The Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to assess depressive symptoms. The association between circadian preference and attachment style was examined by gender. Results: The MEQ significantly predicted dismissing attachment (β=-0.254, p=0.001) and fearful attachment (β=-0.177, p=0.016) after controlling for age, gender, and the CES-D score. The MEQ predicted dismissing attachment (β=-0.372, p=0.002) and fearful attachment (β=-0.237, p=0.040) in males, but not in females after controlling for age and CES-D score. Conclusion: The current finding suggests an association between circadian preference and attachment style, which differed by gender.