Classification of Pathological Attachment Patterns in Adults

Abstract

Attachment, defined as a close and enduring bond to a significant other, can be a useful concept in defining disturbances in interpersonal relationships that are characteristic of many psychiatric disorders. The use of concepts developed by previous investigators to define the attachment behavioral system allows a rigorous definition of pathological patterns of important interpersonal relationships. Four pathological patterns of attachment–Compulsive Self-Reliance, Compulsive Care Giving, Compulsive Care Seeking, and Angry Withdrawal–are defined theoretically and in a self-report scaled instrument. The internal reliability and discriminant validity of the scales are tested empirically using a sample of undergraduate students. The results indicate that the scales conform to theoretical constructs and have high internal reliability. Hypothesized relationships between these patterns of attachment and personality disorder diagnoses are discussed to illustrate how the characterization of adult attachment patterns may contribute to differential diagnosis of personality disorders.