ATTACHMENT

(Adolescence & Adulthood)

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• Studies that assess attachment use ADULT ATTACHMENT
INTERVIEW (AAI)

• In adolescents it measures:
1. Internal working models.(parents & childhood)
2. Modification of IWMs in adolescence.
3. Modificaton of IWMs by psychopathology.

• 4 patterns based on AAI responses:

1. Secure-autonomous attachment.
2. Dismissing-avoidant attachment.
3. Preoccupied-ambivalent attachment.
4. Unresolved-disorganized attachment.
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• What can attachment mean in adolescence?

 Specific strategy to deal with related thoughts.
 Memories of early interaction.
 Current attachment relations with attachment objects.
 IWM or genetic effect.
 Continuity & Discontinuity of Attachment patterns:
Studies were conducted by : WATERS et al (1995);
MAIN (1998);BENOIT & PARKER (1994).
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• DATING & ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS

 Looked upon as: a form of recreation,
source of status & achievement,
setting to learn about close relations.
 Developmental changes & dating.
 Early exploration of romantic relations.
 Special concerns.
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• Dating scripts
 
boys girls
(proactive) (reactive)
• Emotions & Adjustment:
 emotions thrust adolescents in a world of make-believe.
 WILSON-SHOCKLEY (1995) : relationships as cause for strong
emotions.
• Socio-cultural contexts:
 values & beliefs dictate dating norms.
 sneak dating
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• Romantic partners form the secure base.
• AAI only taps state of mind in family of origin.

• HAZAN & SHAVER (1987)

 1st to develop questionnaire measuring adult attachment.
 Classification similar to AINSWORTH’s was aimed at.
 3 attachment styles:
 Secure attachment
 Insecure avoidant attachment
 Ambivalent attachment
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Thoughts of self
• BARTHOLOMEW & HOROWITZ
(1991) +ve -ve
 4 categories based on +ve / -ve
thoughts of partners & +ve / -ve SECURE PRE-
thoughts of self. (comfortable OCCUPIED
+ve with intimacy & ( with
autonomy) relationships)
Thoughts of
partner

DISMISSIVE FEARFUL
-ve (strongly ( fear of
independent) intimacy &
social
avoidance)
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• ECR & ECR-R
Low avoidance

Secure Pre-occupied

Low High
anxiety
anxiety

Dismissive Fearful

High avoidance
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• Attachment & Links to other aspects;

 likelihood of depression.
 Likelihood of unwanted sexual experiences.

 Links with childhood attachment patterns

 Romantic Love

 Affectionate Love
initial phase  later phase
(sexual attraction, (waning attraction,
novelty, reduced familiarity, anxiety)
loneliness)
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• Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love (1988)
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Forms of love Intimacy Passion Commitment
Non-love
Liking / friendship 

Infatuated love 
Empty love 
Romantic love  
Companionate  
love
Fatuous love  
Consummate love   
THANK YOU