Attachment Change in the Beginning Stages of Therapy: Examining Change Trajectories for Avoidance and Anxiety

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of self-reported attachment change (avoidance and anxiety) in the context of six sessions of couple therapy designed to emphasize both therapist-centered and couple-centered (i.e., enactment-based) clinical process during the beginning stages of therapy. A total of 48 couples with at least one partner who reported clinically significant relationship dissatisfaction participated in this study. Findings confirmed that some couples experience positive attachment-related change (anxiety or avoidance), while also identifying a subset of individuals who may not experience optimal levels of attachment-related change. In addition, findings point toward both differences and similarities between change trajectories for avoidance and anxiety. Finally, there was evidence that socio-demographic factors may be associated with attachment change.