Experiences In Close Relationships Questionnaire Research Articles

Validation of a German version of the self-rating Adult Disorganized Attachment scale (ADA-D)

Disorganized attachment represents the greatest risk factor for psychopathology compared to the "organized" insecure attachment dimensions in various meta-analyses. Recently, the Adult Disorganized Attachment Scale (ADA) was developed as a self-rating scale for measuring disorganized attachment in romantic partnerships. However, a translation and evaluation in German-speaking samples is not yet available. A German Translation of the scale (ADA-D) comprising nine items was assessed in a general population sample (N=1101) and in a student sample (N=328). The factor structure, psychometric properties, and validity of the scale with respect to psychopathology and the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire (ECR-RD) were examined. The differential associations of ADA-D and ECR-RD with psychopathology were determined using linear regression models. The unidimensional factor structure of the original version could be confirmed for the ADA-D and the instrument exhibited high internal consistency (McDonalds ω=0.91 / 0.89). Compared to attachment anxiety and avoidance, ADA-D was the strongest predictor of dissociative symptoms (Sample 1: β=0.48; p<0.001; Sample 2: β=0.23; p<0.01) and, in Sample 1, additionally for physical aggression (β=0.37; p<0.001). The ADA-D exhibits good psychometric properties that are comparable to the original version of the scale. The associations with aggressiveness and dissociation are in line with previous findings regarding the unresolved attachment status in the Adult Attachment Interview. The ADA-D can be recommended for further use in research as a screening instrument for disorganized attachment in adulthood. An application in psychotherapeutic diagnostics seems promising, however, evaluations in clinical samples are necessary beforehand.

Foster parents’ history of adverse childhood experiences, adult attachment, and parenting stress

BackgroundConnections between parents’ trauma histories, adult attachment, and parenting stress are well established; those who have experienced trauma are more likely to have higher levels of insecure attachment (Jacobvitz & Reisz, 2019) and are more vulnerable to parenting stress (Steele et al., 2016) These processes in foster parents are understudied, even though they care for vulnerable children. This study examined relations between foster parents adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), adult attachment, and parenting stress. This is important to address because foster parents care for vulnerable children who can present unique stressors to caregivers. ObjectiveExamine links between ACEs, adult attachment, and parenting stress in foster parents. Participants & settingParticipants were 55 foster parents from central Texas, US, recruited from a larger RCT study. MethodsParticipants completed the ACEs questionnaire, Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire, and Parenting Stress Inventory. ResultsFoster parents who reported higher total ACEs were more likely to report higher levels of attachment avoidance and higher levels of overall parenting stress. Foster parents who reported experiencing childhood emotional abuse reported higher levels of attachment anxiety. Those who reported experiencing childhood sexual abuse reported higher levels of parental distress. Lastly, those who reported higher levels of attachment anxiety reported higher levels of parental distress and defensive responding. ConclusionsACEs are an important factor for foster parents, particularly for parenting stress. It is crucial that appropriate support is provided to help foster parents manage parenting stress and provide optimal care for their foster children.

The relationship of the child’s externalizing and internalizing symptoms with the parent’s maladaptive schemas and attachment style

IntroductionAccording to recent studies, there is a relationship between the parent-child attachment style and the child’s externalizing and internalizing problems. However, the parent’s maladaptive schemas were not examined in this relationship before.ObjectivesWe aimed to examine the relationship between parents’ maladaptive schemas, well-being, their attachment to their child, and the parent’s perception of the child’s symptoms.MethodsIn our cross-sectional, non-clinical study, 442 parents of children between the ages of 22 and 57 completed the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ), Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire (ECR), Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and WHO Well-being Questionnaire (WBI-5). We conducted four mediator analyses. We chose the emotional deprivation schema subscale as the independent variable and attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance subscales as mediators, while the models differed in the dependent variables. We chose the SDQ externalizing symptoms, internalizing symptoms, prosociality subscale, and WHO well-being questionnaire as dependent variables.ResultsThe mediation analyses proved to be significant. Emotional deprivation had significant effect on the parent’s attachment anxiety (a1 = 0.01, p &lt; .001), avoidance (a2 = 0.32, p = .002) and on the parent’s well-being (c1 = -0.12 , p &lt; .001), while emotional deprivation was not associated with externalizing symptoms (c2 = 0.002, p = .25), internalizing symptoms (c3 = 0.001, p = .53) and prosociality (c4 = 0.01, p = .26). However, the indirect effects of emotional deprivation through attachment anxiety were significant in case of internalizing symptoms (a1b5 = 0.03 [0.02 – 0.05), prosociality (a1b8 = -0.004 [-0.01 – -0.0002]) and well-being (a1b1 = -0.017 [-0.03 – -0.005]). Furthermore, the indirect effects of emotional deprivation through attachment avoidance were significant in case of internalizing symptoms (a2b6 = 0.009 [0.002 – 0.02]) and prosociality (a2b8 = -0.007 [-0.01 – -0.0002]). While the indirect effects of emotional deprivation through attachment anxiety (a1b3 = 0.007 [-0.001– 0,02]) and avoidance (a2b4 = 0.0001 [-0.006 – 0.006]) on externalizing symptoms were not significant. The indirect effects of emotional deprivation through attachment avoidance on the parent’s well-being were not significant (a2b2 = -0.002 [-0.01 – 0.006]).ConclusionsOur results - taking into account the limitations - suggest that there is a relationship between the parent’s emotional deprivation schema and the child’s internalizing symptoms, prosociality, and the parent’s well-being through the parent-child attachment pattern. Attachment style and maladaptive schema have no effect on externalizing symptoms. These results may also have practical implications.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Comparison of Attachment Problems in Romantic Relationships Between Individuals with Bipolar Diagnosis and Individuals Without a Known Psychiatric Diagnosis

Parenting Styles, Attachment Styles, Loneliness as a predictor of Relationship satisfactionAttachment is when one forms a deep and lasting emotional connection to one another across time and space. Attachment is not always mutual. It is also possible to connect to a person unrequitedly. The bond that an individual has with the people in his life is related to attachment styles in infancy. There has been postulation about the connection between bipolar and attachment problems, and several studies have been done on the relationship between anxiety, depression, and relationship satisfaction in general but due to the scarcity and unavailability of bipolar patients, few studies have been conducted. Hence this study aimed to examine the relationship between attachment styles, parenting styles, loneliness, and romantic relationship satisfaction among individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorders and people without the diagnosis. One hundred and sixty-nine people participated in this study. Parenting styles were examined using the Parenting Authority Questionnaire (PAQ), The Experience in Close Relationships questionnaire was used to evaluate the attachment style, UCLA Loneliness Scale measured loneliness and the Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ) evaluated the relationship satisfaction. Results of the multiple regression showed that there was a collective significant relationship between, loneliness, attachment styles, and relationship satisfaction.Also, a significant negative relationship between Avoidance Attachment and romantic relationship satisfaction and also a significant negative relationship between Anxiety Attachment and romantic relationship satisfaction were found. But no significant relationship between parenting styles and romantic relationship satisfaction.

Insecure attachment and PTSD: The mediating role of narcissistic traits

The purpose of the present study is to examine whether narcissism traits (i.e., narcissistic vulnerability and grandiosity) mediate the association between insecure attachment and PTSD symptoms, and whether this mediation is moderated by different levels of exposure to stress. Narcissistic vulnerability was expected to mediate the effect of attachment anxiety on PTSD symptoms. Narcissistic grandiosity was expected to mediate the effect of attachment avoidance on PTSD symptoms. Two hundred and thirty-six high school students from three different residential areas in Israel, differing in kind of exposure to terror (with constant warning, without constant warning and no exposure to terror), were administered the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire (ECR-R). Two years later, shortly after a tense security time in Israel, participants were administered the Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale (NVS; measuring narcissistic grandiosity and narcissistic vulnerability), and the Post Traumatic Symptoms Checklist (PCL5). Narcissistic vulnerability mediated the association between attachment anxiety and PTSD symptoms. However, the direct association of narcissistic grandiosity and attachment avoidance was not significant. No moderated mediation was found for residential zones. The results contribute to a better understanding of the developmental risk factors underlying PTSD and extend the knowledge about the role that personality variables play in PTSD.

Childhood trauma and social cognition in participants with bipolar disorder: The moderating role of attachment

• Child traumas, attachment styles and social cognition were assessed in bipolar adults. • Participants were grouped: secure vs insecure (anxious, avoidant) attachment styles. • Participants with insecure attachment styles had more psychiatric hospitalizations. • Attachment anxiety was associated with childhood trauma but improved social cognition. • Social cognition in bipolar disorder is associated with the quality of early relational context. • Limitations include cross-sectional study design, use of self-report measures. Individuals with Bipolar Disorder (BD) present problems in Social Cognition (SC), a process associated with the quality of early attachment experiences. The experience of traumatic events in childhood threatens the quality of attachment. Attachment theory provides a comprehensive paradigm for understanding the role of early adversity on psychological functioning. However, early experiences have been largely neglected in BD research and clinical practice. We examined the moderating role of attachment in the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and SC in a sample of 76 adults with BD. Early traumatic experiences were assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), SC was measured with the Hinting Task Test and attachment was examined using the Experience in Close Relationships questionnaire (ECR). Higher scores on attachment anxiety were positively associated with early traumatic events and better SC performance. Results suggest that attachment anxiety may be acting as an adaptive strategy in bipolar people who have suffered traumatic childhood experiences. The present study was observational and cross-sectional. Therefore, findings cannot be used to infer causality. Additionally, we assessed both attachment and trauma using self-report measures. Future studies should consider longitudinal designs with observer-rated measures such as standardized interviews. Our findings reinforce the importance of early childhood experiences in the development of SC in people with BD, challenging some traditional understandings of SC deficits as part of the genetic dimension of the disorder.

Factor Structure and Convergent Validity of the Short Version of the Bielefeld Partnership Expectations Questionnaire in Patients With Anxiety Disorder and Healthy Controls.

The short version of the Bielefeld Partnership Expectations Questionnaire (BPEQ-12) assesses the partner-related attachment dimensions fear of rejection, readiness for self-disclosure, and conscious need for care. The presented study investigated the factor structure in two samples and evaluated the convergent validity of scales. The sample included N = 175 patients with panic disorder and/or agoraphobia and N = 143 healthy controls. Besides, the BPEQ, the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire (ECR), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) were assessed as well, and the Adult Attachment Prototype Rating (AAPR) was conducted. A confirmatory factor analysis of the three factor model (using a WLSMV estimator) revealed an acceptable model fit for the entire sample, patients and controls in terms of low RMSEA and SRMR (< 0.08) and high CFI and TLI (> 0.95). We found metric, scalar, and strict measurement invariance for the presence of anxiety disorder (ΔCFI ≤ –0.01 and ΔRMSEA ≥ 0.01). However, only for fear of rejection and readiness for self-disclosure the reliability was acceptable (Cronbach’s α > 0.7), and convergent validity in terms of large correlations (r > 0.7) with the ECR scales was found in both samples. The scale conscious need for care had a questionable reliability (Cronbach’s α > 0.6) and correlated only slightly with ECR-R scales. We conclude that fear of rejection and readiness for self-disclosure of the BPEQ-12 are reliable and valid scales for measuring partner-related attachment in healthy and clinical samples.

The Relationship Between Cognitive Abilities and Trait Clinical Features in Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder

Very few studies have focused on the relationship between cognitive functions and clinical features in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Subjects with BPD and healthy controls were administered the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, Trail Making Test A and B, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-53) was used to assess the severity of current symptoms. Attachment style was assessed with the Experiences in Close Relationship Questionnaire, identity integration with the Personality Structure Questionnaire, and other domains of personality dysfunction with the RUDE Scale for Personality Dysfunction. Patients with BPD performed significantly worse than healthy controls in all cognitive domains. Cognitive functions, particularly delayed memory and visuospatial abilities, displayed meaningful associations with trait-like clinical features, above the effect of global cognition and state psychopathology. These findings highlight the need to evaluate effects of cognitive rehabilitation on trait features among individuals with BPD.

Associations of Attachment and Coping Styles With Social Functioning in Patients With Bipolar Disorder I.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of attachment and coping mechanisms with social functioning in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Sixty-three patients with BD type I and 63 healthy controls were evaluated. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale, Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire II, Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) inventory, and Social Functioning Scale were used. In the BD group, adaptive coping style scores and attachment avoidance scores were significantly lower than the control group, but mean scores of maladaptive coping styles were higher than the control group. Regression analysis showed that positive reinterpretation and growth, active coping, use of emotional social support, planning, religious activities, and mental disengagement subscales of COPE were significantly associated with social functioning. Psychosocial interventions to strengthen adaptive coping mechanisms may help improve the social functioning in patients with BD.

Predicting Sexual Desire in Daily Life from an Attachment Perspective: An Experience Sampling study

In the present study we investigated the temporal associations between emotional intimacy, daily hassles, and sexual desire of individuals in long-term relationships, and examined the direct and moderating effects of attachment orientation. We investigated these variables by reanalyzing an existing data set. Experience sampling methodology was used to collect data 10 times per day, across seven days. Attachment orientation was assessed with the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire. Age, gender, and relationship duration were added as predictors. Data of 134 participants (Nfemale = 87) were analyzed. Only one of the partners of a couple participated. Men overall reported higher sexual desire than women. Longer relationship duration was associated with lower sexual desire, but age was not associated with sexual desire. Increased level of intimacy predicted sexual desire across measurements with an average time interval of 90 min, but this effect was no longer significant when assessment points were 180 min apart. Daily hassles did not predict sexual desire at subsequent assessments. Avoidant and anxious attachment were not associated with sexual desire level. No interaction effects of gender, stress, intimacy and attachment orientation on sexual desire were found. Speculative explanations are offered for the absence of stress effects.

Взаимосвязь привязанности и совладающего поведения у взрослых

Attachment as the ability to form long-term close relationships provides protection and support at all ages, frees from anxiety and tension, and directly affects well-being and health. This study explored the relations between attachment and coping styles and hardiness in adults. The participants — 127 adults aged 18—77 — filled out the Relationships Questionnaire (Bartholomew, Horowitz, 1998), Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire (Fraley, Waller, Brennan, 2000), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (Endler, Parker, 1990), and Hardiness Survey (Leontiev, Rasskazova, 2006; based on Maddi’s Personal Views Survey). The results showed that securely attached adults used coping aimed at problem solving and avoiding anxious thoughts less frequently. Fearful attachment style was related to the reduction of effort to change the situation, it increased the feeling of helplessness and disregard of vigorous activity. As for individuals with avoidant attachment anxiety they experienced in close relationships increased the feelings of rejection and the disposition to security.

The Relationship Between Cognitive Abilities and Trait Clinical Features in Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder.

Very few studies have focused on the relationship between cognitive functions and clinical features in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Subjects with BPD and healthy controls were administered the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, Trail Making Test A and B, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-53) was used to assess the severity of current symptoms. Attachment style was assessed with the Experiences in Close Relationship Questionnaire, identity integration with the Personality Structure Questionnaire, and other domains of personality dysfunction with the RUDE Scale for Personality Dysfunction. Patients with BPD performed significantly worse than healthy controls in all cognitive domains. Cognitive functions, particularly delayed memory and visuospatial abilities, displayed meaningful associations with trait-like clinical features, above the effect of global cognition and state psychopathology. These findings highlight the need to evaluate effects of cognitive rehabilitation on trait features among individuals with BPD.

Mindfulness, attachment, and relationship satisfaction among heterosexual college student couples: An actor-partner interdependence model analysis

Interest in mindfulness and relationship satisfaction is increasingly growing. However, although partners in a relationship have mutually interacted, there are few studies exploring this from a dyadic perspective. Thus, this research aims to investigate this dyadic association and furthermore the mediating role of attachment-related process, attachment avoidance and anxiety via Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. Participants of the study were 196 heterosexual college student couples, 196 males’ average age 21.26 (SD = 2.17), 196 females’ average age 20.66 (SD = 1.88), relationship length ranging from 1 month to 95 months (M = 22.25 (24.67) for males, M = 20.98 (18.98) for females), approximately 36.73% of couples in long-distance love. They were measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, a revised version of the Experience in Close Relationships Questionnaire and the Intimate Relationship Quality Questionnaire. Results showed that the actor effects of mindfulness on relationship satisfaction were significant for both males and females, while the partner effect only displayed for males. It revealed a mixed dyadic pattern for males and an actor-only pattern for females. Additionally, actor-partner interdependence mediation analysis showed that actor mindfulness was associated with higher relationship satisfaction directly and indirectly. Indirectly, higher actor level of mindfulness was linked to greater secure attachment, lower attachment avoidance, and attachment anxiety, and thus to higher relationship satisfaction. Partner mindfulness was associated with higher relationship satisfaction only indirectly in two ways. Higher partner levels of mindfulness were associated with secure attachment, lower partner avoidance, and self’s attachment anxiety, and thus to self’s higher relationship satisfaction. The current study advances our understanding of attachment in the association between mindfulness and relationship from a dyadic perspective. Limitations and future research were discussed.

Intranasal oxytocin and the stress-buffering effects of social support during experimentally induced pain: The role of attachment security

BackgroundThis study examined whether intranasal oxytocin enhances the stress-buffering effects of social support during experimentally induced pain, taking into account the role of individual differences in attachment security. MethodsFemale participants (N = 193) were randomly assigned to oxytocin (24 IU intranasal) or placebo and to receive support or no support from a friend (2 × 2 factorial design with repeated measures)). Participants underwent the Cold Pressor Task (CPT) and were monitored for heart rate variability (HRV: RMSSD) and heart rate and reported pain levels. The Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire was used to measure attachment. ResultsOxytocin reduced RMSSD (p = 0.003, partial ɳ2 = 0.03) and increased heart rate (p = 0.039, partial ɳ2 = 0.03) in individuals who received support, possibly reflecting an enhanced attentional state. Oxytocin did not enhance beneficial effects of social support on perceived pain, but increased pain intensity in avoidantly attached individuals who were supported by a friend (p = 0.009, partial ɳ2 = 0.06). LimitationsOnly female participants were examined. Future studies are needed to determine sex differences in how oxytocin shapes stress-buffering effects of support. ConclusionsOxytocin may enhance the salience of social proximity and may be a mechanism underlying previously reported social influences on cardiovascular and mental health. However, oxytocin effects depend on interpersonal insecurities and may trigger discomfort in avoidantly attached individuals. Caution about oxytocin's therapeutic promise is warranted.

The role of child-keyworker attachment in burnout among Saudi residential staff.

Research on the impact of the keyworker-child relationship on residential staff is scarce. This longitudinal study investigated the potential moderating effects of child and keyworker attachment styles on the link between child behavioural problems and staff burnout and the moderating effects of child attachment style on the link between keyworker attachment style and keyworker burnout. Participants included 261 children and 59 residential child care workers, from 5 orphanages in Saudi Arabia. Five self-report measures were utilised: The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Security Scale, the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire. Keyworkers caring for relatively non-avoidant children and those with an avoidant attachment style themselves experienced relatively high burnout a year later. Relatively high burnout was also reported by avoidant keyworkers who cared for avoidant and generally insecure children, while anxiously attached keyworkers reported relatively high burnout when they cared for children with any type of insecure attachment style. The present findings highlight essential interpersonal processes involved in the development of burnout in residential child care workers and call for the employment of attachment-focused interventions as measures of burnout prevention.

Adult attachment style and maternal-infant bonding: the indirect path of parenting stress

BackgroundThe quality of maternal-infant bonding is related to important child outcomes. The literature has assumed that the ability to form relationships is a relatively stable trait, and research studies have suggested that a mother’s attachment style in close adult relationships is related to mother-infant bonding. The transition to parenthood is also often stressful, and the adult attachment style may relate to parenting stress in the first year after birth. Such stress could possibly have a negative relationship with the mother-infant bond. In the present study, we examined the associations between maternal adult attachment styles and the quality of mother-infant bonding and whether this relationship is mediated by parenting stress.MethodsThe present study sample comprised 168 women (mean age 31.0 years, SD 4.23 years). Between weeks 31 and 41 of gestation, the anxious and avoidant adult attachment dimensions were measured with the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire (ECR). Between 5 and 15 weeks after birth mother-infant bonding and parenting stress were measured with the Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale (MPAS) and the Parenting Stress Index-Parent Domain (PSI-PD), respectively.ResultsBoth attachment-related avoidance and attachment-related anxiety correlated significantly and negatively with mother-infant bonding. However, a regression analysis showed that only attachment-related avoidance was a significant predictor of mother-infant bonding when controlling for demographic variables and maternal mental health history. The relationship between the adult attachment style and bonding was mediated by parenting stress. Higher scores on attachment avoidance and anxiety were related to increased stress, which was related to decreased quality of bonding. The overall parent domain and the subscale of competence in the parent-related stress dimension mediated between attachment avoidance and bonding, and the overall parent domain and the subscales of competence and role restriction mediated between attachment anxiety and bonding. There was no direct relationship between the adult attachment style and mother-infant bonding when parenting stress was included as a mediator.ConclusionsThis study illustrates that maternal adult attachment style relates to mother-infant bonding. This relationship was mediated by parenting stress. The results may have implications for the early identification of mothers at risk of having bonding difficulties.

Revised short screening version of the attachment questionnaire for couples from the German general population.

In order to ensure the concentration, compliance and motivation of the participants, a short version of 12 items was extracted from the “Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire (ECR)”. Even though this short English version shows equally good validity and reliability as the long version, there have been no representative norm values and psychometric characteristics available for the short version in German. Therefore, the German 12-item ECR was implemented in a representative sample of 1,127 males and 1,237 females (mean age M = 49.93; SD = 12.31) from the general public (N = 2,364). The reliability values of the German 12-item ECR in the representative sample are not as good as the long version with the 36- items version (Alpha = .54–72), and the 12-item ECR factorial structure failed to show the factorial validity. Since the EFA revealed that only half the items loaded on the expected factors, an even shorter form with six items was construed and tested psychometrically. Even though the item numbers were reduced, the reliability values of the German 6-item ECR improved and were as good as the long version with 36 items (Alpha = .73–90). Furthermore, factorial validity could be shown by CFA (CFI = .981, SRMR = .038, RMSEA = .079, TLI = .964) with scalar invariance across gender and age. In sum, the 6-item ECR is a reliable and factorial scalar attachment questionnaire. Due to its shortness, it is applicable to different research fields. However, reference data from a clinical sample are still missing.

Physical Distance Between Romantic Partners as a Marker for Attachment in Couples: A Proof of Concept Study

Proximity seeking is at the core of attachment theory. Previously proximity has been studied almost exclusively in psychological terms. In clinical practice, however, couple therapists may interpret physical distance between romantic partners as a marker for the quality of the attachment bond. Unfortunately, this concept of physical distance between partners as an expression of attachment has never been tested. This study examines whether physical distance between romantic partners is associated with attachment. In 53 students and 43 clinical couples physical distance was repeatedly measured from video using novel software with excellent reliability. Attachment was measured with the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire. It was found that male attachment anxiety about rejection repeatedly showed statistically significant associations with physical interpersonal distance in student and clinical couples. We conclude that attachment may manifest itself not only in terms of psychological intimacy but also in terms of physical distance. Clinical utility and research implications are discussed.

Attachment in Patients with Bipolar and Unipolar Depression: A Comparison with Clinical and Non-clinical Controls.

Background:A link between depression and insecure attachment has long been postulated. Although many studies examined the relationship between depressive symptoms and attachment, relatively few studies were performed on patients diagnosed with depression. Also, research on patients with bipolar disorder is scarce.Objective:We aimed at testing the association between attachment insecurity and unipolar and bipolar depression.Methods:We studied 21 patients with bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, and three age- and sex-matched groups, each consisting of 21 individuals: patients with major depressive disorder, recurrent episode; patients with epilepsy; non-clinical participants. The Experience in Close Relationships questionnaire was used to assess adult attachment style.Results:Patients with both bipolar and unipolar depression displayed significantly higher scores on attachment-related avoidance as compared with patients with epilepsy and non-clinical participants. Also, patients with bipolar depression scored significantly higher on attachment-related anxiety than all other groups. In both psychiatric groups, attachment dimensions were not significantly correlated with global clinical severity or severity of depression.Conclusion:Despite some study limitations, our results are consistent with some previous studies and provide support to Bowlby's seminal hypothesis that attachment insecurity may predispose to depression. Attachment theory may provide a valuable theoretical framework for future research and for guiding treatment.

Anne ve Babaların Ortak Ebeveynlik Davranış ve Algılarının Romantik Bağlanma İle İlişkisi

Ortak ebeveynlik, anne ve babaların çocuk yetiştirmeyle ilgili sorumlulukları paylaşmaları, birbirlerini desteklemeleri ve aile içindeki dinamikleri birlikte yönetmeleri olarak tanımlanır (McHale, “Coparenting and Triadic…” 985). Mevcut çalışmada, gözlemlenen ve algılanan ortak ebeveynliğin, bağlanma kaygısı ve bağlanma kaçınması olarak iki boyutta ölçülen romantik bağlanma ile ilişkisi incelenmiştir. Çalışmaya üç aylık bebek (Ort. = 103.78 günlük) sahibi 45 anne-baba bebekleriyle birlikte katılmıştır. Ev ziyaretleri yapılarak ve Lozan Üçlü Oyun Paradigması (Fivaz-Depeursing ve Corboz- Warnery 1) kullanılarak, anne-babalardan bebekleriyle 10'ar dakikalık yarıyapılandırılmış etkileşimlerde bulunmaları istenmiş ve etkileşimler videoya kaydedilmiştir. Kaydedilen ortak ebeveynlik davranışları, “Ortak Ebeveynlik ve Aile Değerlendirme Sistemi” (McHale ve diğerleri, “The Transition to Coparenthood…” 711) kullanılarak araştırmacılar tarafından kodlanmıştır. Algılanan ortak ebeveynlik ve romantik bağlanma değişkenleri, sırasıyla “Ebeveynlik İşbirliği Ölçeği” (Abidin ve Brunner 31) ve “Yakın İlişkilerde Yaşantılar Envanteri-II” (Fraley, Waller ve Brennan 350) ölçekleri ile öz bildirim yöntemiyle değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular, hem gözlemlenen hem de algılanan olumlu ortak ebeveynliğin, romantik bağlanma boyutları ile olumsuz yönde ilişkili olduğunu göstermiştir. Bağlanma kaygısı ve kaçınması yükseldikçe anne ve babaların bebekleriyle birlikte etkileşimde bulunurken daha az işbirliği gösterdikleri gözlemlenmiştir. Algılanan ortak ebeveynlik ise, hem anneler hem de babalar için sadece bağlanma kaçınması ile (kaygısı ile değil) ilişkili bulunmuş, bu bulgu da ilişkisel Türkiye kültüründe bağlanma kaygısının görece daha işlevsel olduğunu gösteren diğer çalışmaları desteklemiştir.