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Understanding attachment security in family context.
1Department of Psychiatry, Maine Medical Center, Portland 04102-3175, USA. cookw@mail.mmc.org
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|March 9, 2000
Summary
Adult attachment security is influenced by specific relationships and partner characteristics, not just internal models. Attachment security is also reciprocated between individuals in family relationships.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Attachment theory posits internalized relationship models influence interpersonal outcomes.
- This study explores interpersonal factors shaping adult attachment security.
- Attachment is crucial for social and cognitive development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interpersonal sources of adult attachment security.
- To test if attachment security is relationship-specific.
- To examine partner characteristics' impact on attachment security.
- To determine if attachment security is reciprocated within families.
Main Methods:
- Social Relations Model analysis was employed.
- Attachment security measures were collected from 2 parents and 2 children in 208 families.
- Data included adolescent and adult participants from middle-class families.
Main Results:
- Attachment security was found to be relationship-specific.
- Partner characteristics significantly affected attachment security.
- Attachment security was reciprocated among family members.
- All three tested hypotheses were supported.
Conclusions:
- Internal working models of relationships are not solely internal.
- Interpersonal processes play a significant role in adult attachment security.
- Further research should emphasize the interpersonal origins of attachment security.
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