Anxiety Symptoms in Working Children: Predicting Based on Attachment Styles and The Mediating Roles of Hope for Life and Life Satisfaction

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Counseling, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran.

2 M.A. in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Roshdieh Institute of Higher Education, Tabriz,

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Farhangiyan, Tehran, Iran.

10.22059/ijsp.2026.409903.671369

Abstract

Working children are exposed to psychosocial risks, including anxiety. This study aimed to predict anxiety among working children based on attachment styles, with life expectancy and life satisfaction as mediators. This descriptive-correlational study employed path analysis. The population consisted of working male children aged 8–12 years under the supervision of the Welfare Organization in Tehran in the years 2004–2003 (n=38,000), from which a sample of 380 participants was drawn. Data were collected using the Spence Anxiety Scale, Collins and Read's Attachment Style scale, Snyder’s Hope for Life scale, and Diener et al.’s Satisfaction with Life scale. The findings showed a negative direct effect of life expectancy and life satisfaction on anxiety symptoms, and a positive direct effect of ambivalent attachment on anxiety symptoms (P<0.05). Direct effects of secure attachment on life expectancy and life satisfaction were positive, whereas direct effects of avoidant attachment on life expectancy and life satisfaction were negative and significant. The direct effect of ambivalent attachment on life satisfaction was negative and significant. Life expectancy mediated the relationship between secure and avoidant attachment and anxiety symptoms and between secure/avoidant attachment and life satisfaction; life expectancy served as a meaningful mediator in the relationship between ambivalent attachment and anxiety symptoms (P<0.05). Life satisfaction functioned as a mediator in the relationship between ambivalent attachment and anxiety symptoms (P<0.05). The findings underscore the important roles of attachment styles, life expectancy, and life satisfaction in modulating anxiety symptoms among working children, with implications for risk assessment and intervention.

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Journal of Social Problems of Iran

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 May 2026

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