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Abstract

Neuroception, the unconscious detection of safety or threat, plays a crucial role in shaping attachment patterns and interpersonal functioning. This research aims to investigate the complex relationships between neuroception of psychological safety and attachment styles. Specifically, it seeks to enhance our understanding of how secure, avoidant, and anxious attachment styles relate to neuroceptive patterns. An analytical cross-sectional design was employed, assessing participants at a single point in time. Data was collected from the city of Lahore, Punjab from June 2024 to December 2024. A total of 250 adult participants were selected using a convenience sampling approach. Recruitment was occurred through various channels to ensure a representative sample, including diverse attachment styles, genders, and cultural backgrounds. Eligibility for the study was determined based on pre-established criteria. Participants were assessed using two established scales: the Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS) to measure psychological safety, and the Original Attachment Three-Category Measure to assess attachment styles. Statistical methods, including descriptive statistics and Post hoc (Tukey HSD) were applied to explore the relationships between neuroception and attachment styles. Securely attached individuals reported the highest NPSS scores (M = 112.48, SD = 16.94), followed by avoidant (M = 92.51, SD = 20.41) and anxious individuals (M = 78.75, SD = 20.44).Understanding the interplay between attachment styles and neuroception can inform therapeutic interventions. Polyvagal theory suggests that interventions targeting neuroception can potentially mitigate attachment-related challenges by promoting adaptive autonomic responses and enhancing emotional resilience.