Abstract

This study investigated the mediating role of loneliness and the moderated mediating effect of social support in the relationship between adult attachment anxiety and prolonged grief among individuals who have lost a companion animal. A total of 360 adults aged 20 and older who experienced pet loss participated in the survey, which assessed adult attachment anxiety, prolonged grief, loneliness, and social support. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 and the PROCESS Macro. The results revealed the following key findings: First, adult attachment anxiety positively influenced prolonged grief. Second, adult attachment anxiety was a significant predictor of loneliness. Third, loneliness was found to positively impact prolonged grief. Fourth, loneliness partially mediated the relationship between adult attachment anxiety and prolonged grief. Finally, social support was confirmed to have a moderated mediating effect on the link between adult attachment anxiety and prolonged grief. These findings indicate that loneliness stemming from adult attachment anxiety is a predictor of prolonged grief, while social support plays a vital role in alleviating this grief. Consequently, this study offers both academic and practical implications, providing empirical evidence to inform the development of intervention strategies aimed at preventing and mitigating prolonged grief.