Change In Attachment Security Research Articles

Helping Institutionalised Children through a Trusting Relationship-Findings from a One-Year Psychosocial Intervention Programme.

Children growing up in institutions lack a stable relationship-essential for development. A significant proportion of them have disorganised attachment, which is associated with negative outcomes. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving attachment security are needed. We conducted a case series study (involving five participants aged 8-11 years) in a newly established psychosocial rehabilitation daycare centre to describe the changes in attachment security and mental health of institutionalised children after one year of attendance. The intervention consisted of individualised care focusing on staff building a trusting relationship with participants using the principles of Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI). Measures such as the Child Attachment Interview, SDQ, CBCL6/18, TRF6/18, and clinical interviews were used to follow change. The descriptive data of five participants are presented. All five children improved in mental health, and for two participants, organisation of attachment changed. Three children experienced relational ruptures. The findings suggest that psychosocial interventions that focus on building trusting relationships may be beneficial in institutionalised children. For these children, given their life history, it can be damaging to experience repeated breakdowns. Thus, the practical implication is that any new relationship for them with an adult should be established after an assessment of whether the relationship can be sustained.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy and Change in Attachment Security: A Pilot Study

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has a rapidly growing evidence base; however, research into changes in attachment security during EMDR therapy is limited. This pilot study aimed to explore changes in attachment security in a clinical sample of adults who received EMDR therapy for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). It also explored the quality of the therapeutic alliance in relation to changes in attachment security. A within-subject, repeated-measures design was used. Eighteen participants received fifteen EMDR sessions on average and completed self-report measures of attachment, PTSD, CPTSD, and therapeutic alliance. A decrease in attachment insecurity was observed. Changes in attachment security were partially associated with the quality of the therapeutic alliance and changes in symptomatology. This study contributes to the emerging literature on change in attachment security and EMDR therapy.

Taking perspective on attachment theory and research: nine fundamental questions

ABSTRACT Since its inception more than 50 years ago, attachment theory has become one of the most influential viewpoints in the behavioral sciences. What have we learned during this period about its fundamental questions? In this paper, we summarize the conclusions of an inquiry into this question involving more than 75 researchers. Each responded to one of nine “fundamental questions” in attachment theory. The questions concerned what constitutes an attachment relationship, how to measure the security of attachment, the nature and functioning of internal working models, stability and change in attachment security, the legacy of early attachment relationships, attachment and culture, responses to separation and loss, how attachment-based interventions work, and how attachment theory informs systems and services for children and families. Their responses revealed important areas of theoretical consensus but also surprising diversity on key questions, and significant areas of remaining inquiry. We discuss central challenges for the future.

Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP)

In this article, we describe the goals of transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), its indications, underlying theory, and its broad structure and techniques. We summarize the current empirical support for TFP in regard to symptom and personality change. Lastly, we discuss recent developments and applications in TFP. TFP is a theory-based, manualized, empirically supported, outpatient psychotherapy designed specifically to treat patients with severe personality disorders, such as borderline and narcissistic personality disorders. Overall TFP focuses on consolidating identity, increasing emotion regulation, and improving relationships. In TFP, these improvements are accomplished by exploring and working through the patient’s fragmented and disparate experiences of the self and others, particularly through the relationship with the therapist. Compared with other empirically supported treatments for personality disorders, TFP has shown an equal improvement in depression, anxiety, functioning, and adjustment, and has led to a more consistent change in anger and aggression. Moreover, in three studies, TFP uniquely and consistently led to changes in attachment security and mentalizing capacity. Although TFP manuals were first developed specifically for treating borderline personality disorder, recent research suggests that TFP has broader relevance for personality pathology more generally. Furthermore, future research is needed to explicate how TFP can be integrated with other treatments.

Stability and change in secure base script knowledge during middle childhood and early adolescence: A 3-year longitudinal study.

There is limited research examining stability and change in attachment security in middle childhood. The current study addresses this gap using data from a 3-year longitudinal study. Specifically, we examined stability and change in secure base script knowledge during middle childhood using a sample of 157 children (Wave 1 mean age [Mage] = 10.91, standard deviation [SD] = 0.87) assessed at 1-year intervals across 4 waves. Secure base script knowledge was moderately stable over time, as script scores were significantly correlated between each wave. We also investigated the impact of life stress on change in secure base script knowledge within individuals across waves. The results demonstrated that daily hassles (minor and frequently occurring stressful life events) but not major (more severe and infrequent) stressful life events predicted change in script knowledge. Implications for attachment-based interventions and, more broadly, the stability of attachment security are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Developmental trajectories of attachment and depressive symptoms in children and adolescents

ABSTRACT Previous research has found that insecure attachment is associated with depression. In the present study, we use an accelerated longitudinal cohort design to examine how the association between attachment and depression develops during childhood and adolescence. Specifically, 690 children from 3 distinct cohorts (grades 3, 6, and 9) completed self-report measures of attachment and depressive symptoms 3 times over 3 years. Growth curve analyses indicated that attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were uniquely related to depressive symptoms. Higher levels of attachment anxiety and avoidance predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms over time. Additionally, changes in attachment security were associated with changes in depressive symptoms. The analyses suggest that insecure attachment and depressive symptoms co-vary and that these dynamics are evident in childhood and adolescence.

Changes in Attachment Security and Mindfulness as Predictors of Changes in Depression and General Anxiety

Two studies examined the role short-term changes in adult attachment and mindfulness play in depression and general anxiety. Study 1, using a sample of college students (n = 121) who were not engaged in any clinical intervention, showed that changes in attachment anxiety and security, but not in avoidance, predicted changes in depressed and anxious mood. Study 2, using a college age clinical sample (n = 28), showed that changes in adult state attachment (avoidant, anxious, and secure) predicted reductions in depression, but that only changes in avoidant attachment, not anxious or secure attachment, predicted reductions in general anxiety. These findings suggest that reducing avoidant attachment is particularly important in successful therapy, but plays less of a role in natural fluctuations in depressed and anxious mood in non-clinical settings. Mindfulness predicted changes in depression and general anxiety in both the clinical and class studies. Mediation analyses showed that mindfulness partially media...

Your responses guide me: Decreased attachment anxiety through an online relationship-building paradigm

This study aims to improve self-reported attachment anxiety and avoidance through an online relationship-building paradigm. Seventy-seven undergraduate participants completed an online attachment-focused paradigm in which they developed a relationship with a virtual partner, and fifty participants successfully completed a second laboratory-based phase of the study. During the online phase, all participants completed the Experiences in Close Relationships―Revised questionnaire (ECR-R), the experimental group engaged in an interactive relationship-formation story with a virtual partner designed to enhance secure attachment, and control participants engaged in the program without guidance. Participants then visited the laboratory, were asked to recall the online interaction, and again completed the ECR-R. Overall, participants exhibited a significant decrease in their attachment anxiety, but not avoidance; however, change in attachment security did not differ based on study group. Change in the experimental condition was attributed to the secure focus of the guided interaction with the virtual partner. Change in the control condition, on the other hand, was attributed to general relationship practice and behavioral principles of operant conditioning. These results provide preliminary evidence for the effect of a virtual practice relationship on attitudes towards real-life attachments to significant others.

Change in attachment predicts change in emotion regulation particularly among 5-HTTLPR short-allele homozygotes.

In view of the theory that the attachment relationship provides a foundation for the development of emotion regulation, here, we evaluated (a) whether change in attachment security from 4 to 6 years predicts change in emotion regulation from 6 to 8 years and (b) whether 5-HTTLPR moderates this relation in a Norwegian community sample (n = 678, 99.7% Caucasian). Attachment was measured with the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task, and teachers completed the Emotion Regulation Checklist. Attachment security was modestly stable, with children becoming more secure over time. Regression analyses revealed that increased attachment security from 4 to 6 forecasted increases in emotion regulation from 6 to 8 and decreased attachment security forecasted decreases in emotion regulation. This effect was strongest among the 5-HTTLPR short-allele homozygotes and, according to competitive model fitting, in a differential-susceptibility manner. (PsycINFO Database Record

Parent and Peer Predictors of Change in Attachment Security From Adolescence to Adulthood.

Interview, self-report, peer report, and observational data were used to examine parent and peer relationship qualities as predictors of relative changes in attachment security in a community sample of adolescents followed from ages 14 to 24. Early maternal supportive behavior predicted relative increases in attachment security from adolescence to adulthood, whereas psychological control and interparental hostile conflict predicted relative decreases. Peer predictors of relative increases in security included collaborative and autonomous behaviors and lack of hostile interactions, with peer predictions growing stronger for relationships assessed at later ages. Overall, models accounted for sufficient variance as to suggest that attachment security across this period is well explained by a combination of stability plus theoretically predicted change linked to social relationship qualities.

Pathways Linking Childhood Maltreatment and Adolescent Sexual Risk Behaviors: The Role of Attachment Security

Previous research has shown an association between child maltreatment (sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, or witnessing interparental violence) and adolescent sexual risk behaviors (SRBs). The mechanisms explaining this association are not well understood, but attachment theory could provide further insight into them. This study examined the relationships between child maltreatment and SRBs and investigated anxious and avoidant attachment as mediators. The sample comprised 1,900 sexually active adolescents (13 to 17 years old; 60.8% girls) attending Quebec high schools. The results of path analyses indicated that neglect was associated with a higher number of sexual partners, casual sexual behavior, and being younger at first intercourse. Anxious attachment mediated the relation between neglect and number of sexual partners, whereas avoidant attachment explained the relation between neglect and number of sexual partners, casual sexual behavior, and age at first intercourse (for boys only). Sexual abuse was directly associated with all three SRBs. Neither anxious attachment nor avoidant attachment mediated these associations. Youth with a history of neglect and sexual abuse represent a vulnerable population that is likely to engage in SRBs. Interventions designed to induce a positive change in attachment security may reduce SRBs among victims of neglect.

Mother-Child Attachment From Infancy to the Preschool Years: Predicting Security and Stability.

Relations between maternal mind-mindedness (appropriate and nonattuned mind-related comments), children's age-2 perspective-taking abilities, and attachment security at 44 (n=165) and 51 (n=128) months were investigated. Nonattuned comments predicted insecure preschool attachment, via insecure 15-month attachment security (44-month attachment) and poorer age-2 perspective-taking abilities (51-month attachment). With regard to attachment stability, higher perspective-taking abilities distinguished the stable secure groups from (a) the stable insecure groups and (b) children who changed from secure to insecure (at trend level). These effects were independent of child gender, stressful life events, and socioeconomic status (SES). The contribution of these findings to our understanding of stability and change in attachment security from infancy to the preschool years is discussed.

Early Full-Time Day Care, Mother–Child Attachment, and Quality of the Home Environment in Chile: Preliminary Findings

ABSTRACTResearch Findings: Two longitudinal studies are reported examining the effects of full-time day care in Mapuche and non-Mapuche families in Chile. First, the Magellan-Leiden Childcare Study (MLCS) used a sample of 95 mothers with children younger than 1 year old (n = 36 in day care). Second, we partially cross-validated our results in a large and representative sample of 10,723 mothers and their children from the Chilean Encuesta Longitudinal de la Primera Infancia (Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey). In both studies, the quality of care for children provided at home was measured with the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment. In the MLCS study, additional indicators of the mother–child relationship were measured. Day care was not negatively associated with the mother–child relationship and maternal sensitivity, compared to maternal care, or with the quality of the home environment. Positive changes in attachment security were found in Mapuche children who attended day care centers. Practice or Policy: We were able to confirm that type of care was not differentially associated with quality of the home environment.

Changes in attachment representations for young people in long-term therapeutic foster care.

This article reports on a 1-year follow-up study exploring changes in attachment security of children placed in long-term therapeutic foster care over three data collection time points. A group of eight children (age 14 to 17) were assessed over a period of 1 year using a modified version of the Separation Anxiety Test (SAT). Interviews were also conducted to explore the young people's and the carers' experiences of the placements and their personal perspectives of changes. The findings indicated some positive changes in the young people's attachment security over time, for example, a reduction in extreme reactions and a trust that adults could understand their feelings (PAE - parental accurate empathy). However, despite this PAE, the young people did not expect adults to enact this by offering them support, and this lack of expectation persisted over the 1-year period. Specific differences in relation to placement success were suggested in that young people for whom their placements broke down indicated more initial fearful and aggressive representations of adults. Overall, young people emphasised positive aspects of their placements as including being treated as adults, listened to and made to feel safe.

Genetic contributions to continuity and change in attachment security: a prospective, longitudinal investigation from infancy to young adulthood

Longitudinal research has demonstrated that individual differences in attachment security show only modest continuity from infancy to adulthood. Recent findings based on retrospective reports suggest that individuals' genetic variation may moderate the developmental associations between early attachment-relevant relationship experiences and adult attachment security. The purpose of this study was to use a prospective, longitudinal design to investigate genetic contributions to continuity and changes in attachment security from infancy to young adulthood in a higher risk sample. Infant attachment security was assessed using the Strange Situation Procedure at 12 and 18 months. Adults' general attachment representations were assessed using the Adult Attachment Interview at ages 19 and 26. Romantic attachment representations were assessed with the Current Relationship Interview (CRI) at ages 20-21 and ages 26-28. Individuals were genotyped for variants within the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4), and serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR). The continuity of attachment security from infancy into young adulthood was consistently moderated by OXTR genetic variation. Infant attachment security predicted the security of adults' general and romantic attachment representations only for individuals with the OXTR G/G genotype. This interaction was significant when predicting adult attachment security as measured by the Adult Attachment Interview at ages 19 and 26 and the CRI at ages 26-28. Dopamine D4 receptor and 5-HTTLPR genetic variation did not consistently moderate the longitudinal associations between attachment security during infancy and adulthood. This study provides initial longitudinal evidence for genetic contributions to continuity and change in attachment security from infancy to young adulthood. Genetic variation related to the oxytocin system may moderate the stability of attachment security across development.

Evidence of Attachment Disorganization and Growth in One Mother's Descriptions of Her Son: A Case Study

This case study analyzes descriptions given by a 21-year-old mother of her 3-year-old son as illustrations of characteristics consistent with attachment disorganization. Descriptions are taken from two sources: the Insightfulness Assessment, an attachment-based interview designed to assess qualities of caregivers' internal working models of their children, and group sessions of an attachment-based parenting intervention, the Circle of Security. Relevant discourse qualities identified include emotional disengagement; contradictory and unintegrated positive and negative perceptions; intrusive, painful memories from her past; blurring of identity boundaries; and feelings of burden mixed with fears of his emotional estrangement from her. Changes in discourse qualities are also identified that appear consistent with changes in attachment security assessed for both mother and child before and after the mother's participation in the intervention. Understanding of attachment disorganization and associated discourse characteristics is important because of its prevalence among maltreating parents and the life-span developmental consequences with which it is associated.

Bindungsstil und Therapieerfolg in der psychodynamischen Kurzzeittherapie bei Kindern und Jugendlichen

In several studies, the association between attachment style and psychotherapy outcome has been shown for adults. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between attachment style and outcome of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for children and adolescents. 71 children and adolescents with a mental disorder receiving out-patient short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy were studied. Attachment style was assessed with the Heidelberg Attachment Style Rating for Children and Adolescents (HASR-CA). Therapy outcome was measured using the Severity of Impairment Score for Children and Adolescents (SIS-CA). It could be shown that good outcome in therapy is significantly more frequently associated with a secure attachment style than with an insecure attachment style. No significant changes in attachment security were observed during treatment. Thus, attachment style is a good predictor of a successful short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for children and adolescents and therefore is an important criterion for the differential indication for psychodynamic therapies.

Adult attachment: theory, research, and clinical implications

Part I: Introduction: New Directions and Emerging Issues in Adult Attachment. Rholes, Simpson, Attachment Theory: Basic Concepts and Contemporary Questions. Part II: Attachment Processes Across the Lifespan: Continuity, Discontinuity, Change, and Measurement Issues. Shaver, Mikulincer, What Do Self-report Attachment Measures Assess? Hazan, Gur-Yaish, Campa, What Does it Mean to be Attached? Fraley, Brumbaugh, A Dynamical Systems Approach to Conceptualizing and Studying Stability and Change in Attachment Security. Davila, Cobb, Predictors of Change in Attachment Security During Adulthood. Part III: Intrapersonal Aspects of Attachment: Cognitive Organization, Structure, and Information Processing. Mikulincer, Shaver, Security-based Self-representations in Adulthood: Contents and Processes. Collins, Guichard, Ford, Feeney, Working Models of Attachment: New Developments and Emerging Themes. Diamond, Hicks, Psychobiological Perspectives on Attachment: Implications for Health Over the Lifespan. Part IV: Interpersonal Aspects of Attachment: Intimacy, Conflict, Caregiving, and Satisfaction. Pietromonaco, Greenwood, Barrett, Conflict in Adult Close Relationships: An Attachment Perspective. Feeney, Collins, Interpersonal Safe Haven and Secure Base Caregiving Processes in Adulthood. Feeney, Adult Attachment and Relationship Functioning Under Stressful Conditions: Understanding Partners' Responses to Conflict and Challenge. Part V: Clinical and Applied Issues: Therapy, Psychopathology, and Well-being. Johnson, Attachment Theory: A Guide for Healing Couple Relationships. Kobak, Cassidy, Ziv, Attachment-related Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Implications for Adult Adaptation. Simpson, Rholes, Anxious Attachment and Depressive Symptoms: An Interpersonal Perspective. Cooper, Albino, Orcutt, Williams, Attachment Styles and Intrapersonal Adjustment: A Longitudinal Study from Adolescence into Young Adulthood.

Stability and Change in Attachment Security Across Adolescence

This study examined both continuity and familial, intrapsychic, and environmental predictors of change in adolescent attachment security across a 2-year period from middle to late adolescence. Assessments included the Adult Attachment Interview, observed mother-adolescent interactions, test-based data, and adolescent self-reports obtained from an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of moderately at-risk adolescents interviewed at ages 16 and 18. Substantial stability in security was identified. Beyond this stability, however, relative declines in attachment security were predicted by adolescents' enmeshed, overpersonalizing behavior with their mothers; depressive symptoms; and poverty status. Results suggest that although security may trend upward for nonstressed adolescents, stressors that overwhelm the capacity for affect regulation and that are not easily assuaged by parents predict relative declines in security over time.

The Meaning of Life (Events) Predicts Changes in Attachment Security

Building on prior research, which has failed to find consistent effects of life events on change in self-reported adult attachment security over time, the present study tested the hypothesis that it is the meaning people attach to events, rather than the objective features of events, that is associated with changing levels of security. Participants engaged in an 8-week daily diary study, during which they completed daily self-report measures of attachment security, negative life events, perceptions of loss associated with events, and mood. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that perceptions of greater interpersonal (but not achievement) loss associated with life events were significantly associated with greater insecurity on a day-to-day basis, even controlling for objective features of events and for mood. Trait levels of security did not moderate this association. Results are discussed with regard to social-cognitive models of attachment security and the utility of understanding the meaning of life events to understand how attachment models may be confirmed or disconfirmed.