Security priming in everyday life: how do symbols of close others support attachment in adulthood?

Security priming refers to the idea that exposure to simple, attachment-relevant cues—such as photographs of loved ones—can enhance psychological security and related outcomes. While security priming effects have been robustly demonstrated in laboratory settings, there is growing interest in whether such techniques can be effectively applied in everyday contexts, with an eye toward scalable interventions. In the present research, we examined whether using a romantic partner’s photo as a phone lock screen image could influence attachment security. In Study 1 (N = 4,741), we found that people who had images of their romantic partners on their lock screens reported greater attachment security. In Study 2 (N = 306), participants in romantic relationships were randomly assigned to add photos of their partners to their lock screens. We found that, although there was evidence of selection effects (i.e., secure people having those images on their screens already), there were no security priming effects. In Study 3 (N = 249), participants were randomly assigned to remove images of their partners from their screens. In contrast to Study 2, this removal led to measurable declines in attachment security over time. These findings suggest that while lock screen images may reflect existing levels of security, their removal—rather than their addition—can have detectable psychological effects. We discuss the implications for designing low-cost, scalable interventions aimed at enhancing attachment security, and for understanding the role of “invisible infrastructure” in shaping psychological functioning.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Conroy, Karl Erik

Contributors dc:contributor

• Fraley, R. Chris

• Attachment
• Close Relationships
• Intervention

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Karl Conroy

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/132708

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/132708