Attachment Theory Research Articles

Phenomenological Study of Fatherlessness in the Lives of Daughters

In a family, both the mother and father’s roles are equally important. A father's role goes beyond being the breadwinner or the head of the family; he is also expected to play a complete role in supporting a child's development and sharing responsibilities with the mother as a wife. When a father doesn't fulfill his role effectively, the issue of "fatherless" arises in the family, which has long-term impacts on the child, including a daughter's perception of her future life partner. Previous research has shown that the absence of a father's role at home (fatherlessness) can influence how a child interacts and shapes a child's preferences in choosing a partner or determining their romantic relationships. This study, employing phenomenology and in-depth interviews with four female informants who have experienced fatherlessness, draws on family communication, attachment theory, penetration theory, and gender role theory. The research findings highlight that the experience of fatherlessness becomes a major communication barrier, affecting the informants in initiating romantic relationships. Respondents express difficulties in trusting and maintaining open communication with close friends. They state that disappointment in their father figure leads them to seek a partner to fulfill their psychological needs related to the missing fatherly figure. The study also confirms factors influencing the perceptions of fatherless daughters in choosing life partners, including a father's involvement in child-rearing, healthy communication between father and child, traumatic experiences, and current parent-child communication relationships. This research can serve as a reference for further studies interested in examining family communication from the perspective of the father's role and the communication between daughters and their fathers.

Effects of Secure Base Leadership vs. Avoidant Leadership on Job Performance

Organizations need high performance from their employees to achieve their goals, provide specialized services and products, and ultimately secure a competitive edge. Performance is also a source of satisfaction for employees, as it creates feelings of mastery and pride. Different leadership styles positively influence both employee performance and organizational excellence; thus, the present study aimed to analyze the relationship between a novel leadership style based on attachment theory, secure base leadership, and job performance (i.e., task and conceptual performance and counterproductive work behaviors). Additionally, a passive-avoidant leadership relationship with performance dimensions is analyzed. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling with self-reported data from 422 Spanish employees, the results show that secure base leadership is positively related to task and contextual performance, while it is negatively related to counterproductive work behaviors. The opposite pattern is found for passive-avoidant leadership (except for the link between passive-avoidant leadership and contextual performance, which is not significant). The promotion of secure base leadership within organizations allows for the cultivation of a supportive environment that favors work behaviors that are aligned with organizational objectives, and since leadership can be trained, these results are relevant for practitioners in organizations.

The Relationship between Traumatic Experiences, the Prevalence of Social Anxiety and Insecure Attachment among University Students

University students face unique challenges and are considered a vulnerable population, making it crucial to understand the impact of trauma on their mental health. This study aimed to investigate the associations between traumatic experiences, the prevalence of social anxiety, and insecure attachment among MSU students. The present study adopted a quantitative research approach using the Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ), the DSM-5 Severity Rating of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD-D), moreover, for the purpose of assessing PTSD, the Vulnerable Attachment Styles Questionnaire (VASQ), Social Anxiety Disorder Severity, and Insecure Attachment, respectively. A total of 406 respondents participated in the research. Through descriptive analysis, data were collected using three different assessments, revealing that 67% of the students were identified as having a high risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while 6.9% experienced severe social anxiety, which was relatively low compared to the total number. Additionally, 87% of the students displayed a high level of insecure attachment. In order to test the research hypotheses, Pearson correlation analysis, linear regression analysis and path analysis were conducted in this study. The study's findings demonstrated that there was a significant correlation between traumatic experiences and insecure attachment and a non-significant correlation between traumatic experiences and social anxiety. Additionally, traumatic experiences had a significant positive effect on insecure attachment but did not significantly affect social anxiety. Lastly, traumatic experiences did not significantly affect insecure attachment through social anxiety or traumatic experiences through social anxiety.

For sex, ulterior motives or relief: a latent profile analysis of individuals who sext their relationship partner(s)

ABSTRACT Sexting has emerged as a prevalent avenue for individuals to express their sexuality and desires. To explore the diverse motivations to engage in sexting a comprehensive review of existing literature and analysis of survey data from 109 individuals from the United States (collected online 2019, mean age of 29.0 years, 56% identified as female) we employ Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to identify distinct profiles of sexting motivations. Three primary profiles emerge: those who sext primarily for sexual purposes, individuals who sext to alleviate relational anxiety and those engaging in sexting for ulterior motives such as body image reinforcement or instrumental/aggressive reasons. Notably, each profile exhibits unique patterns of attachment styles and motivations for engaging in sexting behaviours. While the largest number of participants sext to initiate sexual encounters with their partner(s) (n = 44, 40.4%), a significant subset sexts as a coping mechanism for relational insecurities (n = 34, 31.2%) or with manipulative intentions (n = 31, 28.4%). These findings underscore the complexity of sexting behaviours and highlight the need for tailored interventions and awareness campaigns to promote healthy sexual communication and relationship dynamics. Understanding these diverse motivations is crucial for clinicians, educators and policymakers aiming to address the multifaceted implications of sexting in contemporary society.

The Impact of Procedural Justice on Employee Intention to Stay in Nepalese Insurance Companies: Exploring the Mediating Role of Affective Commitment

Procedural justice fosters the perceptions of fairness and support within the organization ensuring that all employees are treated equitably and transparently. It supports employees to stay a long term by creating a sense of fairness and trust in organizational processes, leading to higher job satisfaction and emotional commitment. This study examines the influence of procedural justice on intention to stay of employees within the Nepalese insurance companies, emphasizing the mediating role of affective commitment. To achieve the stated objective, data were collected from the primary source using a structured questionnaire administered through random sampling technique. The respondents comprised 298 employees of insurance companies working in different positions. The Smart PLS 4.0 was used to analyze the structural relationships within the proposed theoretical model. The findings of this study validated the set hypotheses that procedural justice has positive and significant effect on the intention to stay of the employees in Nepalese insurance sectors. The findings indicate that fair and transparent organizational procedures significantly enhance employees' emotional attachment to their companies, thereby increasing their intention to remain. By fostering perceptions of fairness, insurance companies can strengthen affective commitment, ultimately reducing turnover intentions and promoting long-term organizational stability. This research highlights the importance of procedural justice in retaining a committed and loyal workforce within the Nepalese insurance sector.

Enhancing Psychological Well-Being: Examining The Influence of Attachment Styles, Mediated by Post-conventional Religious Reasoning

This study investigates the intricate relationship between attachment styles, post-conventional religious reasoning, and psychological well-being. A sample of 650 participants completed survey questionnaires, employing established measurement tools such as the psychological well-being scale, adult attachment styles scale, Attachment Styles to God Scale, and the Modified Faith Scale. Utilizing Smart PLS 4.0.4.9 for analysis, the partial least squares (PLS) algorithm with bootstrapping was employed due to its suitability for complex models and small sample sizes. Results reveal significant positive associations between Attachment Styles in Adults and both Post-conventional Religious Reasoning and Psychological Well-being. Similarly, Attachment Styles to God exhibit significant positive relationships with Psychological Well-being and post-conventional religious reasoning. Furthermore, post-conventional religious reasoning demonstrates a significant positive relationship with Psychological Well-being. Through Sobel tests, the mediating role of post-conventional religious reasoning is explored. The findings indicate that it mediates the relationship between Attachment Styles in Adults and Psychological Well-being, as well as between Attachment Styles to God and Psychological Well-being. This study contributes to the understanding of how attachment styles and religious reasoning influence psychological well-being. The findings underscore the importance of considering both attachment to significant others and attachment to a higher power in understanding individuals' well-being. By highlighting the mediating role of post-conventional religious reasoning, this research sheds light on the mechanisms through which these factors interact to influence psychological well-being.

Привязанность как необходимость в защите и безопасности

<p>The work aims to clarify the concept of “attachment”. The article, based on materials from foreign sources, examines the development of the main provisions of attachment theory. Attachment is based on an evolutionary need for survival. Depending on the connection with security, the following types of attachment are distinguished: secure attachment, avoidant attachment, ambivalent attachment, and disorganized attachment. For a child, attachment is important for safety and survival. However, attachment style can undergo changes and adaptation to varying degrees in light of different life experiences. Attachment theory suggests that the way the bond develops between a child and their mother early in life will influence their sense of security and social, emotional, and mental development later in life. Research on this topic shows that the initial relationships formed at the very beginning of life give rise to the attachment style characteristic of a person in adulthood, which, as a rule, underlies the degree to which a person feels safe and emotionally secure in different relationships throughout their life. The quality of attachment helps shape a child's internal model of behavior regarding the social world, predicting how well children function in their relationships with teachers and friends, as well as their curiosity and motivation to solve problems. Conclusion: For humans, attachment is important for security and survival. At the same time, attachment style may undergo changes and adaptation to varying degrees in light of different life experiences.</p>

Estimating the spatiotemporal distribution of PM2.5 concentrations in Tianjin during the Chinese Spring Festival: Impact of fireworks ban

Settingoff fireworks during the Spring Festival (SF) is a traditional practice in China. However, because of its environmental impact, the Chinese government has banned this practice completely. Existing evaluations of the effectiveness of firework prohibition policies (FPPs) lack spatiotemporal perspectives, making it difficult to comprehensively assess their effects on air quality. Consequently, this study used remote sensing technology based on aerosol optical depth and multiple variables, compared nine statistical learning methods, and selected the optimal model, transformer, to estimate daily spatiotemporal continuous PM2.5 concentration datasets for Tianjin from 2016 to 2020. The overall model accuracy reached a root mean square error of 15.30 μg/m³, a mean absolute error of 9.55 μg/m³, a mean absolute percentage error of 21.07%, and an R2 of 0.88. Subsequently, we analysed the variations in PM2.5 concentrations from three time dimensions–the entire year, winter, and SF periods–to exclude the impact of interannual variations on the experimental results. Additionally, we quantitatively estimated firework-specific PM2.5 concentrations based on time-series forecasting. The results showed that during the three years following the implementation of the FPPs, firework-specific PM2.5 concentrations decreased by 52.70%, 49.76%, and 86.90%, respectively, compared to the year before the implementation of the FPPs. Spatially, the central urban area and industrial zones are more affected by FPPs than the suburbs. However, daily variations of PM2.5 concentrations during the SF showed that high concentrations of PM2.5 produced in a short period will return to normal rapidly and will not cause lasting effects. Therefore, the management of fireworks needs to consider both environmental protection and the public's emotional attachment to traditional customs, rather than simply imposing a blanket ban on fireworks. We advocate improving firework policies in four aspects–production, sales, supervision, and control–to promote sustainable development of the ecological environment and human society.

Revival of the father-child attachment theory – in the context of existential theory and the principle of activation

Revival of the father-child attachment theory – in the context of existential theory and the principle of activation

Dyadic effects of attachment styles on marital satisfaction among Chinese couples: The mediating role of perceived partner responsiveness

Insecure attachment styles, widely recognized as negative predictors in most Western samples, have been found to impair marital satisfaction for individuals high in attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. However, Chinese culture is more tolerant of some features of attachment avoidance, which may lead to different implications of attachment styles for marital relationships. Besides, considering that responses of the partner play a vital role in the interaction of intimate relationships, the current study examined how attachment styles affect marital satisfaction through perceived partner responsiveness (PPR). This study is based on dyadic data from 668 Chinese couples across six marital stages, whose average length of marriage was 15.22 years (ranging from 0.03 to 67.57 years, SD = 13.88). Using the actor-partner interdependence model (APIMeM) to analyze these data, results suggested that: (a) individuals’ attachment anxiety was negatively associated with marital satisfaction for both themselves and their partner, and these associations were partially mediated by PPR; (b) PPR was a full mediator of the positive association between individuals' attachment avoidance and their own marital satisfaction; (c) wives’ PPR fully mediated the positive association between their attachment avoidance and their partner’s marital satisfaction, whereas husbands’ PPR partially mediated the positive association between their attachment avoidance and their partner’s marital satisfaction. These findings differ from previous studies based on Western samples and advance our understanding of how attachment styles are related to PPR and marital satisfaction in Chinese context, providing practical guidance on marital interactions for people with insecure attachment styles.

ВЛИЯНИЯ ЛОЯЛЬНОСТИ ПЕРСОНАЛА НА ПРОЦЕСС ЭФФЕКТИВНОГО ФУНКЦИОНИРОВАНИЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ

The study is devoted to the urgent problem of studying the influence of staff loyalty on the process of effective functioning of an organization in the dynamic turbulent socio-economic situation of recent years in the Russian Federation. In a period of insufficient personnel caused by demographic reasons and at the same time high rates of staff turnover, the study of the influence of staff loyalty on the process of effective functioning of the organization comes to the fore. A theoretical analysis of the influence of staff loyalty on the process of effective functioning of the company was carried out. The study presents the main aspects of the influence of staff loyalty on the process of effective functioning of the organization. Attitudinal and behavioral approaches to the definition of “loyalty” of personnel are outlined. A formulation is given to the basic concept of “loyalty” of personnel, which is revealed as the quality of an employee’s personality, determined by the willingness to adhere to the principles and established rules of the company, and the attitude towards the performance of job duties at a high level to maintain the functioning of the organization. The criteria for staff loyalty are highlighted, for example, such as: level of staff satisfaction with the conditions and results of work; emotional attachment to the organization (external and internal manifestations); degree of trust between management and employees. A description is given and the results of a practical study of the influence of staff loyalty on the process of effective functioning of the organization are presented. Of particular empirical importance are practical recommendations for the HR manager to determine the influence of staff loyalty, based on the use of methods for assessing the level of loyalty; research into the relationship between loyalty and company performance; analysis of received materials during feedback; monitoring of key indicators of the company’s operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Service Quality Variables and Customer Satisfaction at A Nepalese Commercial Bank

Customer satisfaction is a critical component of banking strategy, which reflects customer sentiment towards an organization's offerings, emphasizing emotional attachment over mere satisfaction. This research investigates customer satisfaction in commercial banks of Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. The study conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using a quantitative research design, explicitly targeting 380 general customers of commercial banks in Kathmandu Valley through convenience sampling. Participants received a semi-structured questionnaire via email in Google Forms, encompassing inquiries on demographics, banking habits, and customer satisfaction. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, and a p-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The investigation found that the study population appears to be young, as 46.6% of the participants are in the 18–30 age range and predominantly male (56.6%). Most respondents (88.4%) hold accounts with private banks. Among those experiencing ATM service-related problems, 45.5% encountered them most frequently. Despite this, overall customer satisfaction remains high. Customers are notably content with the bank's reliability, including timely service and accurate record-keeping. Conversely, dissatisfaction mainly stems from communication issues, particularly regarding timely interest rates and service updates. Customer satisfaction is significantly influenced by service quality factors such as reliability, responsiveness, empathy, assurance, and communication. These findings highlight the necessity of addressing service challenges to enhance customer satisfaction and service quality within Nepal's banking sector.

Filial piety belief profiles among Chinese couples: Associations with relationship satisfaction and insecure attachment

AbstractThe present study examined the heterogeneity of Chinese romantic couples' filial piety belief patterns. In addition, we investigated how the configuration of filial piety belief profiles within couples can link to individuals' perceptions of romantic relationship satisfaction and different attachment tendencies. We recruited 297 dyads of Chinese couples currently in heterosexual romantic relationships in the university. The couples completed self‐reported measures of dual filial piety beliefs (reciprocal and authoritarian filial piety), romantic relationship satisfaction, and insecure attachment (attachment anxiety and avoidance). We used latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify couples' dual filial piety belief interaction profiles. Four‐couple profiles emerged: (1) authoritarian couples, (2) balanced couples (while men with slightly higher reciprocal filial piety), (3) balanced couples (while men with lower reciprocal filial piety), and (4) divergent couples (balanced men and non‐filial women). The couples in the four profiles did not show significant differences in their romantic relationship satisfaction, but their attachment styles differed. (1) authoritarian couples experienced the highest levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance; (2) balanced couples experienced relatively lower levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance; and (3) non‐filial women in divergent couple profiles experienced significantly higher levels of attachment avoidance. This was the first study to uncover the possible associations between Chinese young couples' dual filial piety interaction profiles, and their dyadic relationship satisfaction and insecure attachment by adopting the person‐centered approach. We further discussed the theoretical and practical implications of the findings.

Attachment Styles in Romantic Relationships and Perceived Support in Postpartum Couples

The transition to parenthood is a significant life event that presents various challenges. Adequate support for both parents is crucial, as insufficient support can lead to negative outcomes. While insecure attachment has been identified as a risk factor during this period, there is limited research on how dyadic attachment styles influence perceptions of received support. This study investigates the relationship between momentary perceptions of support matching and attachment styles among parental dyads using the experience sampling method (ESM) to reduce retrospective bias. For seven days, 40 mothers of infants aged 3-12 months completed daily self-report measures relating to desired and received support from their romantic partner. Multilevel analyses revealed that securely attached mothers perceived greater support matching compared to those with insecure attachment styles. The attachment style of the support provider (father) did not significantly affect the mother’s perceptions of support adequacy. These findings highlight the importance of attachment security in shaping support perceptions and suggest that attachment-based interventions could improve support experiences for new parents. Future research should explore the nuances of attachment pairings and their impact on support dynamics within couples. Interventions following childbirth should focus on improving maternal attachment security to enhance support matching and well-being for new parents. Keywords: attachment style, romantic attachment, postpartum, support

Attachment Styles and Parenting Attitudes in Adults With "Pseudo-Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder".

Background The number of individuals who experience the onset of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like symptoms after the age of 12 years has been growing, which does not meet the diagnostic criteria for adult ADHD. We designated this condition as "pseudo-ADHD" and investigated its psychological implications by comparing the parenting attitudes in childhood and attachment styles among individuals with "pseudo-ADHD," those with adult ADHD, and healthy controls. Methods We conducted an online cross-sectional survey of adults aged 18 years. Participants in the analysis included individuals with "pseudo-ADHD" (n = 46), adults with ADHD (n = 23), and healthy controls (n = 758). The Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) was used to evaluate parenting attitudes, and the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory for the Generalized Other (ECR-GO) was used to evaluate attachment styles. One-way analysis of variance was performed to compare the PBI and ECR-GO scores among the three groups. Results Regarding the PBI scores, a significant main effect of group was found for the paternal care scores (p = 0.002), and the "pseudo-ADHD" group did not differ significantly from the adult ADHD group or healthy control group (p = 0.378, p = 0.228, respectively). A significant main effect of the group was found for the maternal care scores (p < 0.001). The "pseudo-ADHD" group scored significantly lower than the adult ADHD group (p = 0.005), whereas there was no significant difference compared to the healthy control group (p = 1.000). A significant main effect of the group was also found for the paternal overprotection scores (p < 0.001). The "pseudo-ADHD" group scored significantly lower than the adult ADHD group (p = 0.002), whereas there was no significant difference compared to the healthy control group (p = 0.571). A significant main effect of group was found for the maternal overprotection scores (p < 0.001), and the "pseudo-ADHD" group did not differ significantly from either the adult ADHD group or the healthy control group (p = 0.060, p = 0.161, respectively). Regarding ECR-GO scores, a significant main effect of group was found for the fear of abandonment score (p < 0.001), and the "pseudo-ADHD" group scored significantly lower than the adult ADHD group (p < 0.001) and significantly higher than the healthy control group (p = 0.005). Conclusion This study suggested that the parenting attitudes of parents of individuals with "pseudo-ADHD" were not different from those of the healthy controls. For attachment styles, the fear of abandonment was higher in individuals with "pseudo-ADHD" than in healthy controls, but not as high as in patients with adult ADHD. This study highlights, for the first time, the importance of considering attachment styles in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with ADHD symptoms in adulthood.

Family Attachment and Its Influence on Adult Resilience: A Cross-Sectional Ex Post Facto Investigation

This study examines the relationship between early family attachment and resilience in adulthood, yielding significant theoretical implications for extending attachment theory. The regression analysis demonstrates that anxious and avoidant attachment styles are significant negative predictors of resilience, collectively accounting for 99.9% of its variability. The model exhibits excellent fit and high significance, as evidenced by the F-value. Secure attachment shows the highest positive association with resilience (B = 29.94), while avoidant (B = -5.937) and anxious (B = -23.937) attachment styles are negatively associated with resilience. The theoretical implications highlight the importance of considering attachment theory in the context of adult resilience and suggest avenues for future research to explore interventions that can mitigate the negative effects of insecure attachment styles. Therefore, this study concludes that enhancing secure attachment in early family relationships may be a key strategy in promoting resilience in adulthood, offering valuable insights for both clinical practice and educational interventions.

The Role of Perceived Attachment to God in Times of Distress on Psychological Well-Being: A Mix-Method Study

God can be perceived as an attachment figure (AF) who functions as a safe haven and secure base during distressful times. Nevertheless, stress levels might influence individuals’ attachment styles with God, which can in turn differentially affect their psychological well-being (PWB). study aimed to examine the mediating role of attachment to God in the relationship between stress and PWB among religious young adults. A mixed-methods design was utilized, whereby 118 participants completed a survey, and 4 participants were interviewed to obtain more in-depth insights about religious attachments. The quantitative results indicated that stress negatively predicted PWB and positively predicted insecure attachment to God, secure attachment to God positively predicted PWB, and insecure attachment to God negatively predicted PWB; however, stress did not predict secure attachment to God. Additionally, the relationship between stress and PWB was mediated by insecure attachment to God. For the qualitative aspect, , namely, a relationship with God provides security, religious attachments are hindrances in religious practices and sources of distress, religious insecurities create distress, and differences in ‘God’ conceptualizations. and the practical implication of considering religious attachments in therapy were also discussed.

How Do Financial Obstacles Affect Decision-Making Among Potential Living Organ Donors?

Introduction: Living donation increases the organ supply, but associated non-medical expenses can disincentivize donation. Programs aimed at increasing living donation need to better understand how financial obstacles, including lost wages, impact the decision to pursue donation. Methods/Approach: Forty-eight interviews were conducted and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Findings: Three key themes were identified that influenced decision-making: emotional attachment, temporal flexibility, and job security. These themes emerged when dividing interview participants into 3 groups: close relationship donors, broader network donors, and non-directed donors, representing donation to a family member or friend, a specific person they do not know well or at all, or a non-specified individual, respectively. Most close relationship donors wanted to donate regardless of personal financial cost, based on emotional attachment to the recipient. Wage reimbursement did not typically affect their decision-making but could reduce stress. Since non-directed donors did not donate to a specific individual, they could wait to achieve financial stability before donating, if needed. While wage reimbursement might create more proximate stability, non-directed donors had the flexibility to postpone donations until they could independently achieve financial stability. Lacking emotional attachment and temporal flexibility, broader network donors were particularly active decision-makers and most influenced by wage reimbursement. Across all groups, donors with job security were more resolute about donating. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of lost wage reimbursement to facilitate donation and reduce stress, and policies to protect donor job security.

The Impact of Attachment Styles on the Depth of Self-Disclosure and Topic Selection in Initial Psychotherapy Sessions

This paper explores the significant influence of attachment styles on self-disclosure and topic selection in initial psychotherapy sessions, examining how secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment patterns impact the therapeutic process and outcomes. Attachment theory, as developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, provides a framework for understanding the internal working models that individuals carry into therapy, affecting their openness and engagement. Securely attached clients tend to disclose more freely, facilitating stronger therapeutic alliances, while those with anxious attachment may require reassurance to mitigate fears of rejection. Avoidant clients often struggle with emotional intimacy, necessitating gradual trust-building strategies, and disorganized clients benefit from structured, trauma-informed approaches. Through case studies and research findings, the paper underscores the importance of tailoring therapeutic strategies to accommodate attachment-related dynamics, enhancing client engagement and therapeutic success. The implications for practice include the need for therapist training focused on recognizing and adapting to diverse attachment styles, fostering personalized and effective therapeutic interventions. Future research directions are suggested to further explore the intersection of attachment styles with cultural and socio-economic factors, and to develop specialized techniques for optimizing therapy based on attachment patterns.

Attachment and body representations in adolescents with personality disorder.

Attachment theory has served as an influential framework for understanding psychopathology, partly due to reliable assessment methodology. The influence of insecure attachment on attitudes towardthe body and the impact this might have for the development of psychopathology is however less well elucidated. A total of 123 adolescents (35 with borderline personality disorder or BPD, 25 with other personality disorders [OPD]and 63 comprising a normative control group) were interviewed with the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) and the Mirror Interview (MI). The MI questions respondents about how they feel about their bodies, as they look in the mirror. The AAIs from the Borderline group were predominantly insecure-preoccupied and unresolved. These adolescents had significantly lower levels of a positive and integrated sense of self and body than the other groups. Regression results revealed a high loving relationship with fathers, low involving anger with father, high coherence of mind, slight derogation of mother &low levels of unresolved loss uniquely and additively predicted 55% of variance in the summary score assigned to MIresponses, that is,the summary score for a Positive and Integrated Body Representation (PIBR). Unfavorable attachment experiences and current states of mind regarding attachment may give rise to problems with establishing PIBRs, and thus play a role in the development of psychopathology, especially BPD.