Terms Of Attachment Theory Research Articles

Does reading aloud to a dog improve children’s reading outcomes? An academic critique

Educators are increasingly seeking innovative interventions to improve children’s reading skills through enhancing their reading enjoyment, motivation, and frequency. One such approach is through canine-assisted reading interventions in schools, which involve children reading aloud to therapy dogs and their handlers. The popularity of this approach is growing, with the development and delivery of numerous programmes and organisations worldwide. Given increasing interest in canine-assisted reading programmes in schools, there is a need to subject these interventions to scientific scrutiny, to evaluate the extent to which they are grounded in psychological theory, determine their efficacy for improving reading outcomes, and inform their implementation. In this critique, an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of reading aloud to dogs is first presented. Intervention effects are explained in terms of attachment theory, attentional control theory, and self-determination theory. The current critique also includes the first systematic review examining the effects of school-based canine-assisted interventions, compared to control conditions, on children’s reading outcomes. Findings from nine controlled studies are discussed. Currently, there is mixed and limited evidence for the efficacy of school-based canine-assisted reading interventions, compared to control conditions, on children’s reading skills, attainment, and attitude. Implications for practice and intervention implementation are considered.

A Fireside Chat: Attachment Theory and the Deployed Dyadic Dialogue

This study asserts that communication between a committed dyad during a combat separation can positively and negatively affect post-deployment functioning. Recent research has delineated two different forms of communication: interactive and delayed. Communication is conceptualized in the three phases of the deployment cycle. To address theoretical gaps in the literature, I posit that attachment theory is the best orientation to explain dyadic communication during deployment. Using linear mixed model, I applied the Actor Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) for distinguishable dyads to explain behavior in terms of attachment theory (anxiety and avoidance). After the statistical significance of the model was established, five dependent variables were added. The most important finding demonstrates that during deployment, the veteran’s secondary strategy was deactivation (avoidance), whereas the strategy employed by the stateside significant other was hyperactivation (anxiety). During the wartime separation, the dyad engaged in closed ranks communication and later found that shifting to open communication post-deployment was challenging. Additionally, other communication findings are discussed, along with their post-deployment consequences.

Situational Modulation of Emotion Recognition Abilities in Children With Secure and Insecure Attachment: The Role of Gender

Objective: Considering the role of attachment in the emotional development of children, the purpose of this study was to test the situational modulation of emotion recognition in children with secure/insecure attachment with regard to gender in Iranian students. Methods: this casual comparative study was done on a pool of 200 students aged 7-9 years from elementary schools of Tehran, Iran. The participants completed the Middle Childhood Attachment Scale (MCSA), of whom 60 children were assigned to two groups based on their scores on MCAS (secure vs. insecure). They read stories developed to manipulate the attachment schema, and after each story, they were tested for emotion recognition abilities (classification and intensity rating). Happy, sad, angry, and fearful faces were presented and reaction time was recorded using the AFFECT4.0 software. Results: All children irrespective of attachment style, were faster in the identification of others’ emotional expressions in attachment situations than in a neutral situation. Boys made more errors in attachment situations than in the neutral situation, while for girls it did not differ. Among children with secure attachment, boys were faster than girls in recognition of emotion. Conclusion: In terms of attachment theory, attachment styles could have an important impact on the development process of the child’s emotional skills.

Pastoral Care and Counseling for Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse in terms of Attachment Theory

Pastoral Care and Counseling for Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse in terms of Attachment Theory

Establishing a Secure Base to Increase Exploration of Diversity in Groups

ABSTRACTAll groups can be considered multicultural, and group members often present with issues that stem from contextual factors related to cultural identities, including experiences with oppression. Therefore, group leaders must be able to effectively facilitate deep intercultural dialogues in psychotherapy groups, and we suggest that an understanding of attachment theory can help leaders engage group members in these dialogues. In order to demonstrate how attachment theory can be applied to the exploration of diversity in groups, we provide a case example from an intergroup dialogue group bringing together religious minorities, secular individuals, and Christians over the course of eight weeks. In this example, we focus on the two group members who scored the lowest (Jill) and highest (Sarah) on a measure of attachment anxiety and avoidance to illustrate the experiences of one member with more secure attachment and one with more preoccupied attachment. Specifically, we present data from their weekly reflective journals to explore their different experiences of the group over time. Finally, we discuss the case in terms of attachment theory and highlight implications for group leaders.

Secure Base Priming Diminishes Conflict-Based Anger and Anxiety.

This study examines the impact of a visual representation of a secure base (i.e. a secure base prime) on attenuating experimentally produced anger and anxiety. Specifically, we examined the assuaging of negative emotions through exposure to an image of a mother-infant embrace or a heterosexual couple embracing. Subjects seated at a computer terminal rated their affect (Pre Affect) using the Affect Adjective Checklist (AAC) then listened to two sets of intense two person conflicts. After the first conflict exposure they rated affect again (Post 1 AAC). Following the second exposure they saw a blank screen (control condition), pictures of everyday objects (distraction condition) or a photo of two people embracing (Secure Base Prime condition). They then reported emotions using the Post 2 AAC. Compared to either control or distraction subjects, Secure Base Prime (SBP) subjects reported significantly less anger and anxiety. These results were then replicated using an internet sample with control, SBP and two new controls: Smiling Man (to control for expression of positive affect) and Cold Mother (an unsmiling mother with infant). The SBP amelioration of anger and anxiety was replicated with the internet sample. No control groups produced this effect, which was generated only by a combination of positive affect in a physically embracing dyad. The results are discussed in terms of attachment theory and research on spreading activation.

Patients’ attachment to therapists in art therapy simulation and their reactions to the experience of using art materials

This study investigated the relationship between characteristics of the therapeutic relationship formed in an art therapy simulation and patients’ attitudes to the use of art materials in the therapeutic session. Fifty-one students, all women, who played the creator/patient role in the simulation, agreed to participate in the study. After the sixth of eight scheduled simulation sessions, the participants filled out the Client Attachment to Therapist Scale (CATS), the Art-Based Intervention Questionnaire (ABI), and the Session Evaluation Questionnaire (SEQ). The results suggest that the higher the creator/patients’ security of attachment to the observer/therapist in the simulation, the more positive the experience of working with art materials. Further, the greater the avoidance reported in the relationship with the observer/therapist during the simulation, the more negative the experience of working with art materials. No correlations were found between anxious-ambivalent attachment to the observer/therapist and the creator/patients’ attitudes toward the creative process. The discussion explores these findings in terms of Attachment Theory.

The Effect of Sexual Abuse on Children's Attachment Representations in Chile

Child sexual abuse is associated with problems in children's emotional development, particularly increased insecurity of attachment. However, few studies have examined its effect on the organization of attachment representations in preschoolers, and the findings of those that have been conducted have not been entirely consistent. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the effect of child sexual abuse on attachment representation quality in a sample of children 3 to 7 years old in Chile. The results indicate child sexual abuse does affect children's attachment representation quality. The attachment narratives of child sexual abuse victims scored significantly higher than nonvictims on the hyperactivity and disorganization dimensions of attachment. These results are discussed in terms of attachment theory, clinical findings on child sexual abuse, and clinical implications.

Vínculos afectivos en la infancia y calidad en las relaciones de pareja de jóvenes adultos: el efecto mediador del apego actual.

Title: Parental attachment in childhood and quality of the romantic rela- tionships of young adults: the mediating effect of adult attachment Abstract: This paper has two main aims: firstly, to explore the relationship between parental attachment in childhood and perceived quality of roman- tic relationships in youth; secondly, to assess the possible mediating effect of adult attachment in the romantic relationship. A total of 133 heterosex- ual couples (ages 17-25) voluntarily participated in the study. An online questionnaire was applied to both partners to evaluate the quality of the re- lationships with the father and the mother in childhood, the attachment to partner (Anxiety-Avoidance), and the perceived quality of the romantic re- lationship. The results showed significant positive associations between pa- rental attachment in childhood and the quality of the romantic relationship, which were mediated by the adult attachment to partner. Furthermore, negative associations were detected between anxiety and avoidance of each partner and their own relational experience (and the other's relational expe- rience, in some cases). These results are discussed in terms of attachment theory and their significance to the quality of the romantic relationship.

Childhood Maltreatment, Adult Attachment, and Depression as Predictors of Parental Self-Efficacy in At-Risk Mothers

Childhood abuse and neglect can have far-reaching effects on adult relationships, mental health, and parenting. This study examined relations between maltreatment types, anxious and avoidant adult attachment, maternal depression, and parental self-efficacy in a community sample of 76 at-risk mothers. After controlling for other forms of maltreatment, emotional abuse uniquely predicted higher levels of anxious attachment and maternal depression. Structural equation modeling revealed that childhood maltreatment predicted lower parental self-efficacy through indirect pathways involving anxious attachment and depression. Specifically, maltreatment's influence on maternal depression was mediated by attachment anxiety, while its influence on parental self-efficacy was mediated by depressive symptoms. Results are discussed in terms of attachment theory and ways in which parental self-efficacy contributes to adaptive caregiving behavior.

INTEREST IN MARITAL RECONCILIATION AMONG DIVORCING PARENTS

This study offers thefirst research data on the interest of divorcing parents in marital reconciliation.A sample of 2,484 divorcing parents was surveyed after taking required parenting classes.They were asked about whether they believed their marriage could still be saved with hard work, and about their interest in reconciliation services. About 1 in 4 individual parents indicated some belief that their marriage could still be saved, and in about 1 in 9 matched couples both partners did. As for interest in reconciliation services, about 3 in 10 individuals indicated potential interest. In a sub-sample of 329 matched couples, about 1 in 3 couples had one partner interested but not the other, and in 1 in 10 couples both partners were interested in reconciliation services. Findings were consistent across most demographic and marital factors. The only strong predictors of reconciliation interest were gender, with males being more interested than females, and initiator status, with far greater interest among those whose partner initiated the divorce. These findings are discussed in terms of attachment theory and future prospects of divorce services.

Predictors of Complicated Grief: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies

A systematic review of the literature on predictors of complicated grief (CG) was undertaken with the aim of clarifying the current knowledge and to inform future planning and work in CG following bereavement. Predictors of CG prior to the death include previous loss, exposure to trauma, a previous psychiatric history, attachment style, and the relationship to the deceased. Factors associated with the death include violent death, the quality of the caregiving or dying experience, close kinship relationship to the deceased, marital closeness and dependency, and lack of preparation for the death. Perceived social support played a key role after death, along with cognitive appraisals and high distress at the time of the death. Inconsistent definitions of CG and measurement tools were noted in the earlier studies reviewed. Limitations identified in the studies included use of cross-sectional designs, heterogeneous samples, high attrition, demographic differences between cases and controls, differences in length of time since death, and differences in types of death experienced. Notwithstanding these limitations, some consistent findings have emerged. Further research into conceptualizations of CG in terms of attachment theory and constructivist and cognitive-behavioral concepts of finding purpose and meaning after bereavement is warranted.

‘Admission into a helping plan’: a watershed between positive and negative experiences in breast cancer

Cancer patients are in an exposed situation that raises certain psychosocial needs in contact with health care. Previous studies have mainly investigated these needs by assessments on pre-defined categories. The purpose of the present study is, from the patients' perspective, to identify breast cancer patients' psychosocial needs, and to synthesise them in a model reflecting the core of these needs. Seventy-one patients treated with radiation therapy were consecutively included and repeatedly interviewed about their experiences of health care. 'Critical incidents' where identified from the interviews and analysed due to the similarities-differences technique in grounded theory. Four categories of needs where detected: 'access', 'information', 'treatment' and 'how approached'. These categories and their properties merged into a core category--'admission into a helping plan'. These findings are well understood in terms of attachment theory. In times of imminent danger and stress people strive to find a 'safe haven' to attach to. Cancer patients' 'safe haven' can be described as 'a helping plan'. It is not the result of a separate patient-caregiver relationship but is created by a pattern of individual experiences from all kind of contacts with the health-care system as a whole. The presented model of patients needs as converging into 'admission into a helping plan' may serve as an easily comprehendible model for caregivers, guiding them to contribute to the patient's feeling of security and trust, and thus to the patient's own 'hope work'.

Investigating a four-pathway model of adult attachment orientation and health

We tested a model, derived from attachment theory, linking adult attachment orientation to health through four hypothesized intervening paths: affect, stress, social support, and health-risk behavior. Questionnaires were administered to 623 university students and 219 addiction treatment clients. In both samples, attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety dimensions were indirectly, rather than directly, related to lower subjective ratings of health. In both samples, data were consistent with the affect and stress pathways linking attachment to health. Results for the social support and health-risk behavior pathways were less robust. Results were consistent for male and female respondents. Findings are discussed in terms of attachment theory and the affect regulation processes linking attachment and health. Implications are considered, along with directions for future research.

Post-traumatic stress disorder and attachment: possible links with borderline personality disorder

SummaryThis article discusses the aetiology of both simple and complex post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSDs) in terms of attachment theory, and points out the similarities between the diagnosis of complex PTSD and of borderline personality disorder. Case vignettes illustrate an outline of the assessment and treatment of the psychobiological symptoms of PTSD informed by attachment research.

Attachment patterns of young adults in stepfamilies and biological families

This research addressed the under-studied question of attachment patterns in stepfamilies. In total, 368 young adults participated in three studies assessing key aspects of attachment in stepfamilies and biological families (categorical attachment, working models, attachment dimensions and attachment figures). Stepfamily participants were less likely than biological family participants to endorse a categorical measure of secure attachment and had more negative mental models of others; however, participants did not differ on other measures of attachment. Participants’ satisfaction with their relationship with their biological father mediated the association between family type and mental model of others. The results are discussed in terms of attachment theory, previous research on relationships in stepfamilies and implications for practice. In particular, they emphasise the importance of relationships with parents for the adjustment of offspring in stepfamilies.

Prorelationship maintenance behaviors: The joint roles of attachment and commitment.

The present research uses a behavioral observation methodology to examine emotional and behavioral reactions to threatening interpersonal situations in married couples. The research shows that although anxious attachment can hinder people's tendencies to react constructively to threatening events, greater relationship commitment may serve as a buffer against the negative effects associated with attachment insecurities, diminishing feelings of rejection, enhancing feelings of acceptance, and promoting more constructive accommodation behaviors. The research also reveals that wives' degree of relationship commitment has stronger effects on emotional outcomes for both partners than does husbands' degree of commitment. Moreover, husbands' and wives' emotional reactions affect their own accommodative behaviors as well as their spouses' behaviors. These dyadic findings are discussed in terms of attachment theory and interdependence theory.

The Role of Adult Attachment, Parental Bonding, and Spiritual Love in the Adjustment to Military Trauma

ABSTRACT In order to prevent the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to effectively treat it in active-duty and veteran populations, it is important to identify factors that may protect individuals exposed to significant traumas during military service. This pilot investigation conceptualized significant relationships in terms of attachment theory and explored the salutogenic role of adult attachment, parental bonding, and divine love as protective factors in adjustment to military trauma. Veterans participated in a structured clinical interview and completed self-report attachment measures. Associations of attachment and perceptions of important relationships with PTSD status were investigated in a convenience sample of 102 veterans. The findings suggest that veterans with current PTSD had lower secure attachment and higher insecure attachment compared to those without PTSD. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that after controlling for demographics, secure attachment explained an additional 11.2% of the variance and made the greatest predictive contribution to PTSD in this investigation. Group differences (PTSD versus no PTSD) were examined on measures of important relationships, and no significant differences were found related to parental bonding or perceptions of love by God. Veterans with current PTSD had significantly higher insecure romantic attachment compared to the no PTSD group; however, romantic attachment did not make a significant predictive contribution to current PTSD severity. Implications of the results for the treatment of individuals exposed to combat trauma are discussed.

Attentive processing of threat and adult attachment: A dot-probe study

We examined selective attention to threat stimuli as a function of individual differences in adult attachment. Participants completed a dot-probe task in which a general threat word, attachment-related threat word, general positive or attachment-related positive word was presented together with a neutral word. Results showed that attachment anxiety and avoidance were associated with an attentional bias away from attachment threat words. This attentional avoidance effect was best predicted by the interaction between attachment anxiety and avoidance and not by their unique main effects. The findings are discussed in terms of attachment theory and its relation to attentional biases observed in psychopathology.

Attachment and the experience and expression of emotions in romantic relationships: A developmental perspective.

In this longitudinal study, the authors tested a developmental hypothesis derived from attachment theory and recent empirical findings. Target participants were 78 individuals who have been studied intensively from infancy into their mid-20s. When targets were 20-23 years old, the authors tested the way in which interpersonal experiences at 3 pivotal points in each target's earlier social development--infancy/early childhood, early elementary school, and adolescence--predicted the pattern of positive versus negative emotions experienced with his or her romantic partner. A double-mediation model revealed that targets classified as securely attached at 12 months old were rated as more socially competent during early elementary school by their teachers. Targets' social competence, in turn, forecasted their having more secure relationships with close friends at age 16, which in turn predicted more positive daily emotional experiences in their adult romantic relationships (both self- and partner-reported) and less negative affect in conflict resolution and collaborative tasks with their romantic partners (rated by observers). These results are discussed in terms of attachment theory and how antecedent life experiences may indirectly shape events in current relationships.