An interpersonal analysis of adult attachment style: circumplex descriptions, recoiled developmental experiences, self-representations, and interpersonal functioning in adulthood.

Full Abstract

Previous research suggests that the structure of adult attachment is dimensional, but the specific dimensions remain unclear. Given its relational nature, studies should examine attachment structure in association with conceptually related interpersonal constructs. The interpersonal model (Kiesler, 1996) provides an integrative framework to examine this structure and associations between dimensions of attachment security (i.e., Anxiety and Avoidance) and:
1) the dimensions of the interpersonal circumplex, 2) the five-factor model of personality, 3) recollections of mothers and fathers, and 4) current self-processes and adult social functioning. In two samples of undergraduates, the Anxiety and Avoidance dimensions were associated with a hostile-submissive interpersonal style. Canonical correlation analyses revealed that dimensions representing combinations of Anxiety and Avoidance, and roughly corresponding to the dimensions from Secure (i.e., low Anxiety and Avoidance) to Fearful (i.e., high Anxiety and Avoidance) attachment and from Preoccupied (i.e., high Anxiety and low Avoidance) to Dismissive (i.e., low Anxiety and high Avoidance) attachment related to the interpersonal constructs. The Secure to Fearful dimension (i.e., overall attachment security) seemed to share relatively more variance with the interpersonal constructs. These dimensions were associated with theoretically consistent characteristics, recollections of early experiences with parents, self-representations, and social functioning.

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Author information

Author/s: Gallo, Linda C (LC); Smith, Timothy W (TW); Ruiz, John M (JM);

Affiliation: San Diego State University, California 92120, USA. lcgallo(-atsign-)sciences.sdsu.edu

Grants: HL07560 (Agency:United States NHLBI)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: Journal of personality (J Pers), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-Apr; vol 71 (issue 2) : pp 141-81

Dates: Created 2003/04/15; Completed 2003/08/14; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 12693514, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Object Attachment
Parent-Child Relations
Personal Construct Theory
Personality Development
Personality Inventory - statistics & numerical data
Psychometrics
Self Assessment (Psychology)
Social Adjustment
Students - psychology

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