Protective and acquisitive self-monitoring differences in attachment anxiety and avoidance

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the investigation was to examine how different self-monitoring orientations would manifest in interpersonal relationship functioning. Protective, but not acquisitive, self-monitoring was expected to be associated with greater attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Participants completed the Self-Monitoring Scale and the Adult Attachment Questionnaire with respect to romantic partners (Studies 1a, 1b) and the Experiences in Close Relationships – Relationship Structures Scale with respect to mothers, fathers, romantic partners and best friends (Study 2). Across relationship type, those higher in protective self-monitoring expressed more avoidance and anxiety than did those lower in protective self-monitoring. Acquisitive self-monitoring was generally unrelated to attachment anxiety and avoidance. It appears that a self-presentational orientation based on avoiding disapproval contributes to general uneasiness with intimacy and fear of interpersonal rejection.