Stability of attachment representations during adolescence: the influence of ego-identity status

The purpose of this study was to examine two core assumptions of attachment theory. First, internal working models of attachment should increase in stability during the course of development. Second, attachment is related to the adaptive solution of stage-salient issues, in adolescence, specifically to identity formation. Adolescence as a developmental period of change and reorganization might lead to changes in attachment representations by re-evaluating one's life experiences in the course of general identity development. In a longitudinal study, the stability of attachment representations (assessed by the Adult Attachment Interview) between ages 16 and 18 was examined. In addition, the concurrent and longitudinal associations of identity status at age 16 with attachment representations at ages 16 and 18 were tested. Results showed high stability of attachment representation during that age period. Secure attachment representation was positively associated with the identity status achievement, whereas a dismissing status was positively associated with identity diffusion. Longitudinally, identity diffusion at age 16 predicted attachment representation at age 18 even after controlling for earlier attachment representation.