Attachment style and the mental representation of the self.

Abstract

Six studies examined the association between attachment style and several aspects of the mental representation of the self in adolescents. Studies 1 and 2 focused on the hedonic tone of the selfstructure, Studies 3 and 4 focused on its complexity, and Studies 5 and 6 focused on discrepancies between domains and standpoints of the self. Results indicated that secure and avoidant persons had a more positive view of themselves than anxious-ambivalent persons. In addition, secure persons were found to have a more balanced, complex, and coherent self-structure than insecure persons, either avoidant or anxious-ambivalent. The discussion emphasizes the connection between the internalization of attachment experiences and the construction of the self. Research on adult attachment uses Bowlby's (1973) construct of working models—mental representations of attachment figures and the self—to explain how past interactions with significant others influence social and emotional development. Initial studies of adult attachment focused on the way people think about and behave in their relationships (e.g., Hazan & Shaver, 1987). The present series of studies focuses on a neglected aspect of attachment working models: the mental representation of the self. Attachment Theory and Research Attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969, 1973, 1980) proposes that the quality of infant-caregiver interactions results in mental working models that organize cognitions, affects, and behavior in later relationships; guide affect regulation; and shape selfimage. Following these ideas, Hazan and Shaver (1987) examined attachment working models in adults, using the tripartite classification of infant attachment style (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978). The secure style is defined by confidence in the availability of attachment figures in times of need, comfort with closeness, interdependence, and trust. The avoidant style is characterized by insecurity in others' intentions and preference for emotional distance. The anxious-ambivalent style portrays a strong desire for intimacy together with insecurity about others' responses to this desire and high fear of rejection. Hazan and Shaver (1987) found that self-reports of adult attachment style were related to reports of parent-child attachment. Adults who defined themselves as secure in their close relationships reported more secure interactions with their parents than adults who described themselves as insecure, either avoidant or anxious-ambivalent. Building on Hazan and Shaver's (1987) work, a wealth of studies have assessed several correlates of adult attachment