Association between attachment dimensions and empathy with future orientation and resilience in a sample of women in detention: a multicenter study

Abstract The well-being of women in detention has been associated with specific psychological variables. Future orientation and resilience could improve well-being and promote successful reintegration into society. Noteworthy, these variables could be influenced by the quality of primary relationships and empathic abilities. Considering the previous research, studying these associations in women in a detention context could be relevant. The present research aims to examine the associations between attachment dimensions, empathy, nationality, and civil status, with future orientation in a sample of women prisoners in Italy. Ninety women in detention completed three self-report scales (Attachment Style Questionnaire, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and Design my Future) and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Results showed an association between a secure attachment dimension, higher ability to fantasize, lower personal distress, and the presence of romantic experiences with higher resilience. Moreover, a secure attachment dimension and a migrant condition were associated with a higher future orientation. Personalized psychological interventions should help women in detention to build secure and trusting relationships -both real and internalized ones- supporting empathic abilities, increasing their resilience, and developing realistic plans for the future. The role of the specific expectations related to romantic experiences and different cultural conditions should be considered in the personalized psychological intervention.