Psychology › Social Psychology

Attachment and Relationship Dynamics

Works Count: 53229

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This cluster of papers explores theoretical developments in attachment theory, focusing on the dynamics of adult attachment, parent-child attachment, marital quality, interpersonal processes, emotion regulation, and the role of social support in intimate relationships. It covers a wide range of topics related to attachment and relationships from infancy to adulthood.

Keywords

Attachment; Relationships; Marital Quality; Adult Attachment; Interpersonal Processes; Emotion Regulation; Parent-Child Attachment; Social Support; Intimate Relationships; Dyadic Coping

Handbook of attachment: theory, research, and clinical applications

2009-03-01

Kathy L. Bell

A secure base: parent-child attachment and healthy human development

1989-04-01

John Bowlby

* Caring for children * The origins of attachment theory * Psychoanalysis as art and science * Psychoanalysis as a natural science * Violence in the family * On knowing … * Caring for children * The origins of attachment theory * Psychoanalysis as art and science * Psychoanalysis as a natural science * Violence in the family * On knowing what you are not supposed to know and feeling what you are not supposed to feel * The role of attachment in personality development * Attachment, communication, and the therapeutic process * Developmental psychiatry comes of age

Handbook of attachment: theory, research, and clinical applications

1999-11-01

Jude Cassidy , Phillip R. Shaver

Part 1. Overview of Attachment Theory. Cassidy, The Nature of the Child's Ties. Kobak, Madsen, Disruptions in Attachment Bonds: Implications for Theory, Research, and Clinical Intervention. Shaver, Fraley, Attachment, Loss, … Part 1. Overview of Attachment Theory. Cassidy, The Nature of the Child's Ties. Kobak, Madsen, Disruptions in Attachment Bonds: Implications for Theory, Research, and Clinical Intervention. Shaver, Fraley, Attachment, Loss, and Grief: Bowlby's Views and Current Controversies. Weinfield, Sroufe, Egeland, Carlson, Individual Differences in Infant-caregiver Attachment: Conceptual and Empirical Aspects of Security. Bretherton, Munholland, Internal Working Models in Attachment Relationships: Elaborating a Central Construct in Attachment Theory. Part 2. Biological Perspectives. Simpson, Belsky, Attachment Theory within a Modern Evolutionary Framework. Polan, Hofer, Psychobiological Origins of Infant Attachment and Its Role in Development. Suomi, Attachment in Rhesus Monkeys. Vaughn, Bost, van IJzendoorn, Attachment and Temperament: Additive and Interactive Influences on Behavior, Affect, and Cognition During Infancy and Childhood. Fox, Hane, Studying the Biology of Human Attachment. Coan, Toward a Neuroscience of Attachment. Part 3. Attachment in Infancy and Childhood. Marvin, Britner, Normative Development: The Ontogeny of Attachment. Belsky, Fearon, Precursors of Attachment Security. Howes, Spieker, Attachment Relationships in the Context of Multiple Caregivers. Berlin, Cassidy, Appleyard, The Influence of Early Attachments on Other Relationships. Thompson, Early Attachment and Later Development: Familiar Questions, New Answers. Kerns, Attachment in Middle Childhood. Solomon, George, The Measurement of Attachment Security in Infancy and Early Childhood. Part 4. Attachment in Adolescence and Adulthood. Allen, The Attachment System in Adolescence. Zeifman, Hazan, Pair Bonds as Attachments: Reevaluating the Evidence. Feeney, Adult Romantic Attachment: Developments in the Study of Couple Relationships. Mohr, Same-sex Romantic Attachment. Mikulincer, Shaver, Adult Attachment and Affect Regulation. Magai, Attachment in Middle and Later Life. Hesse, The Adult Attachment Interview: Protocol, Method of Analysis, and Empirical Studies. Crowell, Fraley, Shaver, Measurement of Individual Differences in Adolescent and Adult Attachment. Part 5. Psychopathology and Clinical Applications of Attachment Theory and Research. DeKlyen, Greenberg, Attachment and Psychopathology in Childhood. Lyons-Ruth, Jacobvitz, Attachment Disorganization: Genetic Factors, Parenting Contexts, and Developmental Transformation from Infancy to Adulthood. Dozier, Rutter, Challenges to the Development of Attachment Relationships Faced by Young Children in Foster and Adoptive Care. Dozier, Stovall-McClough, Albus, Attachment and Psychopathology in Adulthood. Berlin, Zeanah, Lieberman, Prevention and Intervention Programs for Supporting Early Attachment Security. Slade, The Implications of Attachment Theory and Research for Adult Psychotherapy: Research and Clinical Perspectives. Fonagy, Gergely, Target, Psychoanalytic Theory from the Viewpoint of Attachment Theory and Research. Johnson, Couple and Family Therapy: An Attachment Perspective. Part 6. Systems, Culture, and Context. George, Solomon, The Caregiving System: A Behavioral Systems Approach to Parenting. K. Grossmann, K. E. Grossmann, Kindler, Zimmermann, A Wider View of Attachment and Exploration: The Influence of Mothers and Fathers on the Development of Psychological Security from Infancy to Young Adulthood. van IJzendoorn, Sagi-Schwartz, Cross-Cultural Patterns of Attachment: Universal and Contextual Dimensions. Granqvist, Kirkpatrick, Attachment and Religious Representations and Behavior. Feeney, Monin, An Attachment-Theoretical Perspective on Divorce. Rutter, Implications of Attachment Theory and Research for Child Care Policy.

Attachment in adulthood: structure, dynamics, and change

2008-01-01

Mario Mikulincer , Phillip R. Shaver

The attachment behavioral system: basic concepts and principles -- A model of attachment-system functioning and dynamics in adulthood -- Normative attachment processes -- Measurement of attachment-related constructs in adulthood -- … The attachment behavioral system: basic concepts and principles -- A model of attachment-system functioning and dynamics in adulthood -- Normative attachment processes -- Measurement of attachment-related constructs in adulthood -- Individual differences in attachment-system functioning: development, stability, and change -- Attachment-related mental representations of self and others -- Attachment processes and emotion regulation -- Attachment orientations, behavioral self-regulation, and personal growth -- An attachment perspective on interpersonal regulation -- Attachment processes and couple functioning -- Relations between the attachment and caregiving systems -- Attachment and sex -- Attachment bases of psychopathology -- Implications of attachment theory and research for counseling and psychotherapy -- Applications of attachment theory and research in group and organizational settings -- Reflections on attachment security.

Attachments beyond infancy.

1989-01-01

Mary S. Ainsworth

Attachment theory is extended to pertain to developmental changes in the nature of children's attachments to parents and surrogate figures during the years beyond infancy, and to the nature of … Attachment theory is extended to pertain to developmental changes in the nature of children's attachments to parents and surrogate figures during the years beyond infancy, and to the nature of other affectional bonds throughout the life cycle. Various types of affectional bonds are examined in terms of the behavioral systems characteristic of each and the ways in which these systems interact. Specifically, the following are discussed: (a) the caregiving system that underlies parents' bonds to their children, and a comparison of these bonds with children's attachments to their parents; (b) sexual pair-bonds and their basic components entailing the reproductive, attachment, and caregiving systems; (c) friendships both in childhood and adulthood, the behavioral systems underlying them, and under what circumstances they may become enduring bonds; and (d) kinship bonds (other than those linking parents and their children) and why they may be especially enduring.

The inventory of parent and peer attachment: Individual differences and their relationship to psychological well-being in adolescence

1987-10-01

Gay C. Armsden , Mark T. Greenberg

The Investment Model Scale: Measuring commitment level, satisfaction level, quality of alternatives, and investment size

1998-12-01

Caryl E. Rusbult , John M. Martz , Christopher R. Agnew

Abstract Three studies evaluated the reliability and validity of the Investment Model Scale, an instrument designed to measure four constructs, including commitment level and three bases of dependence–satisfaction level, quality … Abstract Three studies evaluated the reliability and validity of the Investment Model Scale, an instrument designed to measure four constructs, including commitment level and three bases of dependence–satisfaction level, quality of alternatives, and investment size. In all three studies, reliability analyses revealed good internal consistency among items designed to measure each construct. Also, principal components analyses performed on scale items revealed evidence of four factors, with items designed to measure each construct loading on independent factors. Studies 2 and 3 examined associations of model variables with instruments measuring diverse qualities of relationships and assorted personal dispositions. As anticipated, Investment Model variables were moderately associated with other measures reflecting superior couple functioning (e.g., dyadic adjustment, trust level, inclusion of other in the self), and were essentially unrelated to measures assessing personal dispositions (e.g., need for cognition, self‐esteem). In addition, Study 3 demonstrated that earlier measures of Investment Model variables predicted later levels of dyadic adjustment and later relationship status (persisted vs. ended). It is hoped that the existence of a reliable and valid Investment Model Scale will promote further research regarding commitment and interdependence in ongoing close relationships.

Marital conflict and child adjustment: An emotional security hypothesis.

1994-01-01

Patrick T. Davies , E. Mark Cummings

An emotional security hypothesis that builds on attachment theory is proposed to account for recent empirical findings on the impact of marital conflict on children and to provide directions for … An emotional security hypothesis that builds on attachment theory is proposed to account for recent empirical findings on the impact of marital conflict on children and to provide directions for future research. Children's concerns about emotional security play a role in their regulation of emotional arousal and organization and in their motivation to respond in the face of marital conflict. Over time these response processes and internalized representations of parental relations that develop have implications for children's long-term adjustment. Emotional security is seen as a product of past experiences with marital conflict and as a primary influence on future responding. The impact and interaction of other experiential histories within the family that affect children's emotional security are also examined, with a focus on parent-child relations.

An item response theory analysis of self-report measures of adult attachment.

2000-01-01

R. Chris Fraley , Niels G. Waller , Kelly A. Brennan

Self-report measures of adult attachment are typically scored in ways (e.g., averaging or summing items) that can lead to erroneous inferences about important theoretical issues, such as the degree of … Self-report measures of adult attachment are typically scored in ways (e.g., averaging or summing items) that can lead to erroneous inferences about important theoretical issues, such as the degree of continuity in attachment security and the differential stability of insecure attachment patterns. To determine whether existing attachment scales suffer from scaling problems, the authors conducted an item response theory (IRT) analysis of 4 commonly used self-report inventories: Experiences in Close Relationships scales (K. A. Brennan, C. L. Clark, & P. R. Shaver, 1998), Adult Attachment Scales (N. L. Collins & S. J. Read, 1990), Relationship Styles Questionnaire (D. W. Griffin & K. Bartholomew, 1994) and J. Simpson's (1990) attachment scales. Data from 1,085 individuals were analyzed using F. Samejima's (1969) graded response model. The authors' findings indicate that commonly used attachment scales can be improved in a number of important ways. Accordingly, the authors show how IRT techniques can be used to develop new attachment scales with desirable psychometric properties.

Close relationships as including other in the self.

1991-02-01

Arthur Aron , Elaine N. Aron , John Tudor +1 more

The cognitive significance of being in a close relationship is described in terms of including other in the self (in Lewin's sense of overlapping regions of the life space and … The cognitive significance of being in a close relationship is described in terms of including other in the self (in Lewin's sense of overlapping regions of the life space and in James's sense of the self as resources, perspectives, and characteristics). Experiment 1, adapting Liebrand's (1984) deco

Sensitivity and Attachment: A Meta‐Analysis on Parental Antecedents of Infant Attachment

1997-08-01

Marianne S. de Wolff , Marinus H. van IJzendoorn

This meta-analysis included 66 studies (N = 4,176) on parental antecedents of attachment security. The question addressed was whether maternal sensitivity is associated with infant attachment security, and what the … This meta-analysis included 66 studies (N = 4,176) on parental antecedents of attachment security. The question addressed was whether maternal sensitivity is associated with infant attachment security, and what the strength of this relation is. It was hypothesized that studies more similar to Ainsworth's Baltimore study (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978) would show stronger associations than studies diverging from this pioneering study. To create conceptually homogeneous sets of studies, experts divided the studies into 9 groups with similar constructs and measures of parenting. For each domain, a meta-analysis was performed to describe the central tendency, variability, and relevant moderators. After correction for attenuation, the 21 studies (N = 1,099) in which the Strange Situation procedure in nonclinical samples was used, as well as preceding or concurrent observational sensitivity measures, showed a combined effect size of r(1,097) = .24. According to Cohen's (1988) conventional criteria, the association is moderately strong. It is concluded that in normal settings sensitivity is an important but not exclusive condition of attachment security. Several other dimensions of parenting are identified as playing an equally important role. In attachment theory, a move to the contextual level is required to interpret the complex transactions between context and sensitivity in less stable and more stressful settings, and to pay more attention to nonshared environmental influences.

Inclusion of Other in the Self Scale and the structure of interpersonal closeness.

1992-10-01

Arthur Aron , Elaine N. Aron , Danny Smollan

In 2 studies, the Inclusion of Other in the Self (IOS) Scale, a single-item, pictorial measure of closeness, demonstrated alternate-form and test-retest reliability; convergent validity with the Relationship Closeness Inventory … In 2 studies, the Inclusion of Other in the Self (IOS) Scale, a single-item, pictorial measure of closeness, demonstrated alternate-form and test-retest reliability; convergent validity with the Relationship Closeness Inventory (Berscheid, Snyder, & Omoto, 1989), the Sternberg (1988) Intimacy Scale, and other measures; discriminant validity; minimal social desirability correlations; and predictive validity for whether romantic relationships were intact 3 months later

The longitudinal course of marital quality and stability: A review of theory, methods, and research.

1995-01-01

Benjamin R. Karney , Thomas N. Bradbury

Although much has been learned from cross-sectional research on marriage, an understanding of how marriages develop, succeed, and fail is best achieved with longitudinal data. In view of growing interest … Although much has been learned from cross-sectional research on marriage, an understanding of how marriages develop, succeed, and fail is best achieved with longitudinal data. In view of growing interest in longitudinal research on marriage, the authors reviewed and evaluated the literature on how the quality and stability of marriages change over time. First, prevailing theoretical perspectives are examined for their ability to explain change in marital quality and stability. Second, the methods and findings of 115 longitudinal studies--representing over 45,000 marriages--are summarized and evaluated, yielding specific suggestions for improving this research, Finally, a model is outlined that integrates the strengths of previous theories of marriage, accounts for established findings, and indicates new directions for research on how marriages change.

SOME EXPLORATIONS IN INITIAL INTERACTION AND BEYOND: TOWARD A DEVELOPMENTAL THEORY OF INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

1975-01-01

Charles R. Berger , Richard J. Calabrese

This paper provides a theoretical perspective for dealing with the initial entry stage of interpersonal interaction. The seven axioms and 21 theorems presented suggest a set of research priorities for … This paper provides a theoretical perspective for dealing with the initial entry stage of interpersonal interaction. The seven axioms and 21 theorems presented suggest a set of research priorities for studying the development of interpersonal relationships. The paper concludes with a discussion of some of the problems to be considered if the theory is to be extended beyond the initial stages of interaction.

Attachment styles among young adults: A test of a four-category model.

1991-01-01

Kim Bartholomew , Leonard M. Horowitz

A new 4-group model of attachment styles in adulthood is proposed. Four prototypic attachment patterns are defined using combinations of a person's self-image (positive or negative) and image of others … A new 4-group model of attachment styles in adulthood is proposed. Four prototypic attachment patterns are defined using combinations of a person's self-image (positive or negative) and image of others (positive or negative). In Study 1, an interview was developed to yield continuous and categorical ratings of the 4 attachment styles. Intercorrelations of the attachment ratings were consistent with the proposed model. Attachment ratings were validated by self-report measures of self-concept and interpersonal functioning. Each style was associated with a distinct profile of interpersonal problems, according to both self- and friend-reports. In Study 2, attachment styles within the family of origin and with peers were assessed independently. Results of Study 1 were replicated. The proposed model was shown to be applicable to representations of family relations; Ss' attachment styles with peers were correlated with family attachment ratings.

Trust in close relationships.

1985-07-01

John K. Rempel , John G. Holmes , Mark P. Zanna

A theoretical model describing interpersonal trust in close relationships is presented. Three dimensions of trust are identified, based on the type of attributions drawn about a partner's motives. These dimensions … A theoretical model describing interpersonal trust in close relationships is presented. Three dimensions of trust are identified, based on the type of attributions drawn about a partner's motives. These dimensions are also characterized by a developmental progression in the relationship. The validity of this theoretical perspective was examined through evidence obtained from a survey of a heterogeneous sample of established couples. An analysis of the Trust Scale in this sample was consistent with the notion that the predictability, dependability, and faith components represent distinct and coherent dimensions. A scale to measure interpersonal motives was also developed. The perception of intrinsic motives in a partner emerged as a dimension, as did instrumental and extrinsic motives. As expected, love and happiness were closely tied to feelings of faith and the attribution of intrinsic motivation to both self and partner. Women appeared to have more integrated, complex views of their relationships than men: All three forms of trust were strongly related and attributions of instrumental motives in their partners seemed to be self-affirming. Finally, there was a tendency for people to view their own motives as less self-centered and more exclusively intrinsic in flavor than their partner's motives.

A triangular theory of love.

1986-04-01

Robert J. Sternberg

This article presents a triangular theory of love. According the theory, has three components: (a) intimacy, which encompasses the feelings of closeness, connectedness, and bondedness one experiences in loving relationships; … This article presents a triangular theory of love. According the theory, has three components: (a) intimacy, which encompasses the feelings of closeness, connectedness, and bondedness one experiences in loving relationships; (b) passion, which encompasses the drives that lead romance, physical attraction, and sexual consummation; and (c) decision/commitment, which encompasses, in the short term, the decision that one loves another, and in the long term, the commitment maintain that love. The amount of one experiences depends on the absolute strength of these three components, and the kind of one experiences depends on their strengths relative each other. The three components interact with each other and with the actions that they produce and that produce them so as form a number of different kinds of loving experiences. The triangular theory of subsumes certain other theories and can account for a number of empirical findings in the research literature, as well as for a number of experiences with which many are familiar firsthand. It is proposed that the triangular theory provides a rather comprehensive basis for understanding many aspects of the that underlies close relationships. What does it mean to love someone? Does it always mean the same thing, and if not, in what ways do loves differ from each other? Why do certain loves seem last, whereas others disappear almost as quickly as they are formed? This article seeks answer these and other questions through a triangular theory of love. This tripartite theory deals both with the nature of and with loves in various kinds of relationships. The presentation of the theory will be divided into three main parts. In the first part, the main tenets of the theory will be explained and discussed, and the theory will be compared with other theories of love. In the second part, the implications of the theory for close relationships and satisfaction in them will be described. In the third part, the theory will be shown account for many of the empirical phenomena that have been observed with regard love.

Asymptotic and resampling strategies for assessing and comparing indirect effects in multiple mediator models

2008-08-01

Kristopher J. Preacher , Andrew F. Hayes

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Being Different: Relational Demography and Organizational Attachment

1992-12-01

Anne S. Tsui , Terri D. Egan , Charles A. O’Reilly

The results of the current study supported the general hypothesis that individuals who were different from others in a social unit on demographic attributes reported lower organizational attachment... The results of the current study supported the general hypothesis that individuals who were different from others in a social unit on demographic attributes reported lower organizational attachment...

Measuring Marital Quality: A Critical Look at the Dependent Variable

1983-02-01

Robert W. Norton

This paper critically examines the operationalization of marital quality indices used as dependent variables. First, it looks at the functioning and construction of marital quality variables. In particular, Spanier's Dyadic … This paper critically examines the operationalization of marital quality indices used as dependent variables. First, it looks at the functioning and construction of marital quality variables. In particular, Spanier's Dyadic Adjustment Scale is used to illustrate the arguments. Second, it presents both semantic and empirical criteria to judge the development of a marital quality index. Finally, it presents a Quality Marriage Index (QMI) based on the introduced criteria. This index was constructed using data from 430 people across four states. Several advantages of the QMI over more traditional measures are shown in terms of how co variates relate to the index.

A Generic Measure of Relationship Satisfaction

1988-02-01

Susan S. Hendrick

The variety of interpersonal relationships contemporary society necessitates the development of brief, reliable measures of satisfaction that are applicable to many types of close relationships. This article describes the development … The variety of interpersonal relationships contemporary society necessitates the development of brief, reliable measures of satisfaction that are applicable to many types of close relationships. This article describes the development of such a measure. In Study I, the 7-item Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) was administered to 125 subjects who reported themselves to be in love. Analyses revealed a unifactorial scale structure, substantial factor loadings, and moderate intercorrelations among the items. The scale correlated significantly with measures of love, sexual attitudes, self-disclosure, commitment, and investment a relationship. In Study II, the scale was administered to 57 couples ongoing relationships. Analyses supported a single factor, alpha reliability of .86, and correlations with relevant relationship measures. The scale correlated .80 with a longer criterion measure, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (Spanier, 1976), and both scales were effective (with a subsample) discriminating couples who stayed together from couples who broke up. The RAS is a brief, psychometrically sound, generic measure of relationship satisfaction.

The Structure of Commitment in Exchange

1995-01-01

Gregory T. Gundlach , Ravi S. Achrol , John T. Mentzer

Commitment is an essential part of successful long-term relationships. Whereas commitments by both parties in an exchange can provide the foundation for development of relational social norms, disproportionate commitments can … Commitment is an essential part of successful long-term relationships. Whereas commitments by both parties in an exchange can provide the foundation for development of relational social norms, disproportionate commitments can lead to opportunism by the less committed partner. The authors study the effect of the credibility and proportionality of commitment inputs in an exchange upon the development of relational social norms, opportunism, and long-term commitment intentions. They also investigate longitudinal effects of the credibility of long-term commitment intentions, relational social norms, and opportunism in one time period on commitment inputs and long-term commitment intentions in later periods. Data gathered from a behavioral simulation suggest that (1) the credibility of commitment inputs in exchange is positively related to the development of relational social norms, (2) and is positively related to long-term commitment intentions in the same time period, (3) relational social norms may be undermined by opportunistic conduct, and (4) the presence of relational social norms in one time period is positively related to commitment inputs and long-term commitment intentions in later periods.

The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation.

1995-01-01

Roy F. Baumeister , Mark R. Leary

A hypothesized need to form and maintain strong, stable interpersonal relationships is evaluated in light of the empirical literature. The need is for frequent, nonaversive interactions within an ongoing relational … A hypothesized need to form and maintain strong, stable interpersonal relationships is evaluated in light of the empirical literature. The need is for frequent, nonaversive interactions within an ongoing relational bond. Consistent with the belongingness hypothesis, people form social attachments readily under most conditions and resist the dissolution of existing bonds. Belongingness appears to have multiple and strong effects on emotional patterns and on cognitive processes. Lack of attachments is linked to a variety of ill effects on health, adjustment, and well-being. Other evidence, such as that concerning satiation, substitution, and behavioral consequences, is likewise consistent with the hypothesized motivation. Several seeming counterexamples turned out not to disconfirm the hypothesis. Existing evidence supports the hypothesis that the need to belong is a powerful, fundamental, and extremely pervasive motivation.

Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process.

1987-01-01

Cindy Hazan , Phillip R. Shaver

This article explores the possibility that romantic love is an attachment process--a biosocial process by which affectional bonds are formed between adult lovers, just as affectional bonds are formed earlier … This article explores the possibility that romantic love is an attachment process--a biosocial process by which affectional bonds are formed between adult lovers, just as affectional bonds are formed earlier in life between human infants and their parents. Key components of attachment theory, developed by Bowlby, Ainsworth, and others to explain the development of affectional bonds in infancy, were translated into terms appropriate to adult romantic love. The translation centered on the three major styles of attachment in infancy--secure, avoidant, and anxious/ambivalent--and on the notion that continuity of relationship style is due in part to mental models (Bowlby's "inner working models") of self and social life. These models, and hence a person's attachment style, are seen as determined in part by childhood relationships with parents. Two questionnaire studies indicated that relative prevalence of the three attachment styles is roughly the same in adulthood as in infancy, the three kinds of adults differ predictably in the way they experience romantic love, and attachment style is related in theoretically meaningful ways to mental models of self and social relationships and to relationship experiences with parents. Implications for theories of romantic love are discussed, as are measurement problems and other issues related to future tests of the attachment perspective.

Measuring Dyadic Adjustment: New Scales for Assessing the Quality of Marriage and Similar Dyads

1976-02-01

Graham B. Spanier

This study reports on the development of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, a new measure for assessing the quality of marriage and other similar dyads. The 32-item scale is designed for … This study reports on the development of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, a new measure for assessing the quality of marriage and other similar dyads. The 32-item scale is designed for use with either married or unmarried cohabiting couples. Despite widespread criticisms of the concept of adjustment, the study proceeds from the pragmatic position that a new measure, which is theoretically grounded, relevant, valid, and highly reliable, is necessary since marital and dyadic adjustment continue to be researched. This factor analytic study tests a conceptual definition set forth in eariler work and suggests the existence of four empirically verified components of dyadic adjustment which can be used as subscales [dyadic satisfaction, dyadic cohesion, dyadic consensus and affectional expression]. Evidence is presented suggesting content, criterion-related, and construct validity. High scale reliability is reported. The possibility of item weighting is considered and endorsed as a potential measurement technique, but it not adopted for the present Dyadic Adjustment Scale. It is concluded that the Dyadic Adjustment Scale represents a significant improvement over other measures of marital adjustment, but a number of troublesome methodological issues remain for future research.

A Brief Measure of Social Support: Practical and Theoretical Implications

1987-11-01

Irwin G. Sarason , Barbara R. Sarason , Edward N. Shearin +1 more

Two studies leading to the development of a short form of the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) are reported. In Study 1 three items selected for high correlations with the total … Two studies leading to the development of a short form of the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) are reported. In Study 1 three items selected for high correlations with the total score (SSQ3) were administered to 182 university students together with several personality measures. SSQ3 had acceptable test-retest reliability and correlations with personality variables similar to those of the SSQ. Internal reliability was marginal although acceptable for an instrument with so few items. Study 2 employed three sets of data in developing a six-item instrument (SSQ6). The SSQ6 had high internal reliability and correlated highly with the SSQ and similarly to it with personality variables. The research findings accompanying the development of the short form social support measure suggest that perceived social support in adults may be a reflection of early attachment experience.

Adult attachment representations, parental responsiveness, and infant attachment: A meta-analysis on the predictive validity of the Adult Attachment Interview.

1995-05-01

Marinus H. van IJzendoorn

About a decade ago, the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI; C. George, N. Kaplan, & M. Main, 1985) was developed to explore parents' mental representations of attachment as manifested in language … About a decade ago, the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI; C. George, N. Kaplan, & M. Main, 1985) was developed to explore parents' mental representations of attachment as manifested in language during discourse of childhood experiences. The AAI was intended to predict the quality of the infant-parent attachment relationship, as observed in the Ainsworth Strange Situation, and to predict parents' responsiveness to their infants' attachment signals. The current meta-analysis examined the available evidence with respect to these predictive validity issues. In regard to the 1st issue, the 18 available samples (N = 854) showed a combined effect size of 1.06 in the expected direction for the secure vs. insecure split. For a portion of the studies, the percentage of correspondence between parents' mental representation of attachment and infants' attachment security could be computed (the resulting percentage was 75%; kappa = .49, n = 661). Concerning the 2nd issue, the 10 samples (N = 389) that were retrieved showed a combined effect size of .72 in the expected direction. According to conventional criteria, the effect sizes are large. It was concluded that although the predictive validity of the AAI is a replicated fact, there is only partial knowledge of how attachment representations are transmitted (the transmission gap).

The Actor–Partner Interdependence Model: A model of bidirectional effects in developmental studies

2005-02-17

William L. Cook , David A. Kenny

The actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) is a model of dyadic relationships that integrates a conceptual view of interdependence with the appropriate statistical techniques for measuring and testing it. In this … The actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) is a model of dyadic relationships that integrates a conceptual view of interdependence with the appropriate statistical techniques for measuring and testing it. In this article we present the APIM as a general, longitudinal model for measuring bidirectional effects in interpersonal relationships. We also present three different approaches to testing the model. The statistical analysis of the APIM is illustrated using longitudinal data on relationship specific attachment security from 203 mother–adolescent dyads. The results support the view that interpersonal influence on attachment security is bidirectional. Moreover, consistent with a hypothesis from attachment theory, the degree to which a child’s attachment security is influenced by his or her primary caregiver is found to diminish with age.

Adult attachment, working models, and relationship quality in dating couples.

1990-01-01

Nancy L. Collins , Stephen J. Read

Three studies were conducted to examine the correlates of adult attachment. In Study 1, an 18-item scale to measure adult attachment style dimensions was developed based on Kazan and Shaver's … Three studies were conducted to examine the correlates of adult attachment. In Study 1, an 18-item scale to measure adult attachment style dimensions was developed based on Kazan and Shaver's (1987) categorical measure. Factor analyses revealed three dimensions underlying this measure: the extent to which an individual is comfortable with closeness, feels he or she can depend on others, and is anxious or fearful about such things as being abandoned or unloved. Study 2 explored the relation between these attachment dimensions and working models of self and others. Attachment dimensions were found to be related to self-esteem, expressiveness, instrumentality, trust in others, beliefs about human nature, and styles of loving. Study 3 explored the role of attachment style dimensions in three aspects of ongoing dating relationships: partner matching on attachment dimensions; similarity between the attachment of one's partner and caregiving style of one's parents; and relationship quality, including communication, trust, and satisfaction. Evidence was obtained for partner matching and for similarity between one's partner and one's parents, particularly for one's opposite-sex parent. Dimensions of attachment style were strongly related to how each partner perceived the relationship, although the dimension of attachment that best predicted quality differed for men and women. For women, the extent to which their partner was comfortable with closeness was the best predictor of relationship quality, whereas the best predictor for men was the extent to which their partner was anxious about being abandoned or unloved. It is generally believed that the nature and quality of one's close relationships in adulthood are strongly influenced by affective events that took place during childhood, particularly within the child-caretaker relationship. Yet, only recently have social psychologists begun to integrate work on adult love relationships with developmental theory and research on the nature and functioning of parent-child relations (Hartup & Rubin, 1986; Kazan & Shaver, 1987;Hinde, 1979;HindeS Shaver & Hazan, 1988; Shaver, Hazan, & Bradshaw, 1988; Shaver R Weiss, 1982,1986). Of particular interest has been the extent to which a child's early attachment relationships with caretakers shape important beliefs about the self and social world, which then guide relationships in adulthood. Recently, Hazan and Shaver (1987) have used infant attachment theory (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978; Bowlby, 1982,1973,1980) as a framework for examining how adult love relationships are related to early parent-child interactions. The

Assessing social support: The Social Support Questionnaire.

1983-01-01

Irwin G. Sarason , Henry M. Levine , Robert B. Basham +1 more

Abstract : A measure of social support, the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), is described and four empirical studies employing it are described. The SSQ yields scores for (a) number of … Abstract : A measure of social support, the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), is described and four empirical studies employing it are described. The SSQ yields scores for (a) number of social supports, and (b) satisfaction with social support that is available. Three of the studies deal with the SSQ's psychometric properties, its correations with measures of personality and adjustment, and the relationship of the SSQ to positive and negative life changes. The fourth study was an experimental investigation of the relationship between social support and persistence in working on a complex, frustrating task. The research reported suggests that the SSQ is a reliable instrument, and that social support is (1) more strongly related to positive than negative life changes, (2) more related in a negative direction to psychological discomfort among women than men, and (3) an asset in enabling a person to persist at a task under frustrating conditions. Research and clinical implications are discussed. (Author)

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A longitudinal test of the investment model: The development (and deterioration) of satisfaction and commitment in heterosexual involvements.

1983-07-01

Caryl E. Rusbult

A longitudinal study of heterosexual dating relationships tested investment model predictions regarding the process by which satisfaction and commitment develop (or deteriorate) over time. Increases over time in rewards led … A longitudinal study of heterosexual dating relationships tested investment model predictions regarding the process by which satisfaction and commitment develop (or deteriorate) over time. Increases over time in rewards led to corresponding increases in satisfaction, whereas variations in costs did not significantly affect satisfaction. Commitment increased because of increases in satisfaction, declines in the quality of available alternatives, and increases in investment size. Greater rewards also promoted increases in commitment to maintain relationships, whereas changes in costs generally had no impact on commitment. For stayers, rewards increased, costs rose slightly, satisfaction grew, alternative quality declined, investment size increased, and commitment grew, whereas for leavers the reverse occurred. Individuals whose partners ended their relationships evidenced entrapment: They showed relatively low increases in satisfaction, but their alternatives declined in quality and they continued to invest heavily in their relationships. Suggestive evidence points to the importance of changes over time in commitment in mediating stay/leave behaviors. The generalizability of these results for men and women and stayers and leavers at all stages of involvement is discussed.

Less is more: Meta-analyses of sensitivity and attachment interventions in early childhood.

2003-01-01

Marian J. Bakermans‐Kranenburg , Marinus H. van IJzendoorn , Femmie Juffer

Is early preventive intervention effective in enhancing parental sensitivity and infant attachment security, and if so, what type of intervention is most successful? Seventy studies were traced, producing 88 intervention … Is early preventive intervention effective in enhancing parental sensitivity and infant attachment security, and if so, what type of intervention is most successful? Seventy studies were traced, producing 88 intervention effects on sensitivity (n = 7,636) and/or attachment (n = 1,503). Randomized interventions appeared rather effective in changing insensitive parenting (d = 0.33) and infant attachment insecurity (d = 0.20). The most effective interventions used a moderate number of sessions and a clear-cut behavioral focus in families with, as well as without, multiple problems. Interventions that were more effective in enhancing parental sensitivity were also more effective in enhancing attachment security, which supports the notion of a causal role of sensitivity in shaping attachment.

Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems

2000-05-01

David H. Olson

The Circumplex Model focuses on the three central dimensions of marital and family systems: cohesion, flexibility and communication. The major hypothesis of the Circumplex Model is that balanced couple and … The Circumplex Model focuses on the three central dimensions of marital and family systems: cohesion, flexibility and communication. The major hypothesis of the Circumplex Model is that balanced couple and family systems tend to be more functional compared to unbalanced systems. In over 250 studies using the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales (FACES), a linear self‐report measure, strong support has been found for this hypothesis. In several studies using the Clinical Rating Scale (CRS), a curvilinear observational measure, the hypothesis was also supported. These two assessment tools, the FACES and the CRS, are designed for research, clinical assessment and treatment planning with couples and families.

Attachment as an Organizational Framework for Research on Close Relationships

1994-01-01

Cindy Hazan , Phillip R. Shaver

Abstract Recent years have witnessed a proliferation of research on close relationships and the emergence of a new relationship subdiscipline within the social sciences. To date, the new science of … Abstract Recent years have witnessed a proliferation of research on close relationships and the emergence of a new relationship subdiscipline within the social sciences. To date, the new science of relationships has been dominated by data. This article is based on the conviction that progress now hinges on the development of theory to organize and interpret extant findings and to guide future investigations. Through a selective but extensive review of the major bodies of empirical literature, we attempt to show that attachment theory can incorporate a broad range of findings on adult relationships. In addition, attachment theory addresses an impressive array of research questions concerning the functions, emotional dynamics, evolutionary origins, and developmental pathways of human affectional bonds. We conclude that a comprehensive theory of close relationships is both desirable and, with the integration of existing theories and concepts, currently achievable.

Mediation Analysis in Social Psychology: Current Practices and New Recommendations

2011-06-01

Derek D. Rucker , Kristopher J. Preacher , Zakary L. Tormala +1 more

Abstract A key aim of social psychology is to understand the psychological processes through which independent variables affect dependent variables in the social domain. This objective has given rise to … Abstract A key aim of social psychology is to understand the psychological processes through which independent variables affect dependent variables in the social domain. This objective has given rise to statistical methods for mediation analysis. In mediation analysis, the significance of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables has been integral in theory testing, being used as a basis to determine (1) whether to proceed with analyses of mediation and (2) whether one or several proposed mediator(s) fully or partially accounts for an effect. Synthesizing past research and offering new arguments, we suggest that the collective evidence raises considerable concern that the focus on the significance between the independent and dependent variables, both before and after mediation tests, is unjustified and can impair theory development and testing. To expand theory involving social psychological processes, we argue that attention in mediation analysis should be shifted towards assessing the magnitude and significance of indirect effects.

Avoidance of Intimacy: An Attachment Perspective

1990-05-01

Kim Bartholomew

A basic principle of attachment theory is that early attachment relationships with caregivers provide the prototype for later social relations. Working within an attachment framework, a new 4-group model of … A basic principle of attachment theory is that early attachment relationships with caregivers provide the prototype for later social relations. Working within an attachment framework, a new 4-group model of characteristic attachment styles in adulthood is proposed. In particular, two forms of adult avoidance of intimacy are differentiated: a fearful style that is characterized by a conscious desire for social contact which is inhibited by fears of its consequences, and a dismissing style that is characterized by a defensive denial of the need or desire for greater social contact. This distinction corresponds to two differing models of the self: people who fearfully avoid intimacy view themselves as undeserving of the love and support of others, and people who dismiss intimacy possess a positive model of the self that minimizes the subjective awareness of distress or social needs. The emotional and interpersonal ramifications of the two proposed styles of adult avoidance are discussed.

The Making and Breaking of Affectional Bonds

1977-03-01

John Bowlby

An account is given of attachment theory as a way of conceptualizing the propensity of human beings to make strong affectional bonds to particular others and of explaining the many … An account is given of attachment theory as a way of conceptualizing the propensity of human beings to make strong affectional bonds to particular others and of explaining the many forms of emotional distress and personality disturbance, including anxiety, anger, depression and emotional detachment, to which unwilling separation and loss give rise. Though it incorporates much psychoanalytic thinking, many of its principles derive from ethology, cognitive psychology and control theory. It conforms to the ordinary criteria of a scientific discipline. Certain common patterns of personality development, both healthy and pathological, are described in these terms, and also some of the common patterns of parenting that contribute to them.

Diary Methods: Capturing Life as it is Lived

2002-12-23

Niall Bolger , Angelina Davis , Eshkol Rafaeli

In diary studies, people provide frequent reports on the events and experiences of their daily lives. These reports capture the particulars of experience in a way that is not possible … In diary studies, people provide frequent reports on the events and experiences of their daily lives. These reports capture the particulars of experience in a way that is not possible using traditional designs. We review the types of research questions that diary methods are best equipped to answer, the main designs that can be used, current technology for obtaining diary reports, and appropriate data analysis strategies. Major recent developments include the use of electronic forms of data collection and multilevel models in data analysis. We identify several areas of research opportunities: 1. in technology, combining electronic diary reports with collateral measures such as ambulatory heart rate; 2. in measurement, switching from measures based on between-person differences to those based on within-person changes; and 3. in research questions, using diaries to (a) explain why people differ in variability rather than mean level, (b) study change processes during major events and transitions, and (c) study interpersonal processes using dyadic and group diary methods.

Attachment styles among young adults: A test of a four-category model.

1991-01-01

Kim Bartholomew , Leonard M. Horowitz

Relational Aggression, Gender, and Social-Psychological Adjustment

1995-06-01

Nicki R. Crick , Jennifer K. Grotpeter

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Motivational Interviewing

2004-12-17

Jennifer E. Hettema , Julie Steele , William R. Miller

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive therapeutic style to enhance readiness for change by helping clients explore and resolve ambivalence. An evolution of Rogers's person-centered counseling approach, MI elicits … Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive therapeutic style to enhance readiness for change by helping clients explore and resolve ambivalence. An evolution of Rogers's person-centered counseling approach, MI elicits the client's own motivations for change. The rapidly growing evidence base for MI is summarized in a new meta-analysis of 72 clinical trials spanning a range of target problems. The average short-term between-group effect size of MI was 0.77, decreasing to 0.30 at follow-ups to one year. Observed effect sizes of MI were larger with ethnic minority populations, and when the practice of MI was not manual-guided. The highly variable effectiveness of MI across providers, populations, target problems, and settings suggests a need to understand and specify how MI exerts its effects. Progress toward a theory of MI is described, as is research on how clinicians develop proficiency in this method.

Romantic love conceptualized as an attachment process.

1987-01-01

Cindy Hazan , Phillip R. Shaver

Dynamics of a stressful encounter: Cognitive appraisal, coping, and encounter outcomes.

1986-01-01

Susan Folkman , Richard S. Lazarus , Christine Dunkel‐Schetter +2 more

An item response theory analysis of self-report measures of adult attachment.

2000-02-01

R. Chris Fraley , Niels G. Waller , Kelly A. Brennan

Attachment Across the Life Cycle

1991-01-01

Joan Stevenson‐Hinde , Peter Marris

A. Bitulco, Royal Holloway and Bedford New College John Bowlby, Tavistock Clinic, London J. Byng-Hall, Tavistock Clinic, London T. Harris, Royal Holloway and Bedford New College R. Hinde, University of … A. Bitulco, Royal Holloway and Bedford New College John Bowlby, Tavistock Clinic, London J. Byng-Hall, Tavistock Clinic, London T. Harris, Royal Holloway and Bedford New College R. Hinde, University of Cambridge J. Hopkins, Tavistock Clinic, London Colin Murray Parkes, The London Hospital Medical College Joan Stevenson-Hinde, University of Cambridge K.E. Grossman, University of Regensburg, Germany G. Liotti, Rome M. Ainsworth, University of Virginia, USA J. Bretherton, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA C.G. Eichberg, Columbia Associates in Psychiatry, USA M. Main, University of California, Berkeley, USA P. Marris, University of California, L.A., USA M. Radke-Yoorow, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, USA R. Weiss, University of Massachusetts, USA

Attachment theory and close relationships

1998-07-01

Jeffry A. Simpson , W. Steven Rholes

Part I: Introduction. Simpson, Rholes, Attachment in Adulthood. Part II: Measurement Issues. Bartholomew, Shaver, Methods of Assessing Adult Attachment: Do They Converge? Brennan, Clark, Shaver, Self-Report Measurement of Adult Attachment: … Part I: Introduction. Simpson, Rholes, Attachment in Adulthood. Part II: Measurement Issues. Bartholomew, Shaver, Methods of Assessing Adult Attachment: Do They Converge? Brennan, Clark, Shaver, Self-Report Measurement of Adult Attachment: An Integrative Overview. Fraley, Waller, Adult Attachment Patterns: A Test of the Typological Model. Klohnen, John, Working Models of Attachment: A Theory-Based Prototype Approach. Part III: Affect Regulation. Mikulincer, Florian, The Relationship between Adult Attachment Styles and Emotional and Cognitive Reactions to Stressful Events. Rholes, Simpson, Stevens, Attachment Orientations, Social Support, and Conflict Resolution in Close Relationships. Feeney, Adult Attachment and Relationship-Centered Anxiety: Responses to Physical and Emotional Distancing. Part IV: Clinical Applications. Dozier, Tyrrell, The Role of Attachment in Therapeutic Relationships. Fraley, Davis, Shaver, Dismissing-Avoidance and the Defensive Organization of Emotion, Cognition, and Behavior. Henry, Holmes, Childhood Revisited: The Intimate Relationships of Individuals from Divorced and Conflict-Ridden Families. Roberts, Noller, The Associations between Adult Attachment and Couple Violence: The Role of Communication Patterns and Relationship Satisfaction. Part V: Conceptual and Empirical Extensions. Kirkpatrick, Evolution, Pair-Bonding, and Reproductive Strategies: A Reconceptualization of Adult Attachment. Brennan, Wu, Loev, Adult Romantic Attachment and Individual Differences in Attitudes toward Physical Contact in the Context of Adult Romantic Relationships.

Partner Tarafından Önemsenme Algısı Ölçeği: Uyarlama, Geçerlik ve Güvenirlik Çalışması

2025-06-25

Cansu Tosun | Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi

Önemsenme, kişinin kendini belirli birileri için önemli olarak algılamasına dönük psikolojik eğilim şeklinde tanımlamaktadır (Marshall, 2001). Ruh sağlığı için kritik olduğu bilinen bu olgu, romantik ilişki bağlamında da önem arz … Önemsenme, kişinin kendini belirli birileri için önemli olarak algılamasına dönük psikolojik eğilim şeklinde tanımlamaktadır (Marshall, 2001). Ruh sağlığı için kritik olduğu bilinen bu olgu, romantik ilişki bağlamında da önem arz etmektedir. Partnerler tarafından önemsenme hem kişisel refahı hem de ilişkinin seyrini etkilemektedir. Bu araştırmanın temel amacı bireylerin hâlihazırdaki ilişkilerinde, romantik partnerleri tarafından ne derece önemsendiklerine dönük algıyı değerlendiren Partner Tarafından Önemsenme Algısı Ölçeği’nin Türkçeye uyarlanmasıdır. Araştırma grubu 216 bekâr ve 222 evli olmak üzere toplam 438 kişiden (kadın=330, erkek=108, yaş ort.=28.21, ±7.46) oluşmaktadır. Araştırmanın verileri kişisel bilgi formu, Partner Tarafından Önemsenme Algısı Ölçeği, İlişki Doyumu Ölçeği (Curun, 2001) ve Romantik Partnere Kendini Açma Ölçeği (Özdemir ve Yazıcı, 2024) ile toplanmıştır. Analizler SPSS 27.0 ve AMOS 20.0 paket programları ile gerçekleştirilmiştir ve tanımlayıcı istatistik, Pearson Momentler Çarpımı Korelasyon Katsayısı (PMÇKK), Doğrulayıcı Faktör Analizi (DFA), McDonald’s omega ve Cronbach alfa iç tutarlık katsayıları, testi yarıya bölme ve bağımsız t testi tekniklerinden yararlanılmıştır. DFA sonucunda hem bekâr (χ2/sd =1.55, GFI=.91, CFI=.95, TLI=.95, RMSEA=.05, SRMR=.04) hem de evli (χ2/sd =2.40, GFI=.87, CFI=.93, TLI=.91, RMSEA=.07, SRMR=.05) grupta modelin veriye iyi uyum gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. Cronbach alfa güvenirlik katsayının bekâr grupta .87, evli grupta ise .93 olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, iki hafta ara ile yapılan uygulamalar arasında pozitif yönde yüksek düzeyde anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu belirlenmiştir (r=.79, p

Partner phubbing ile romantik ilişkide kendini açma arasındaki ilişki: Algılanan romantik ilişki kalitesinin aracı rolü

2025-06-25

Yeliz TİRYAKİ GÖKSU , Bünyamin Çetinkaya , Faruk Caner YAM | Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli Üniversitesi SBE Dergisi

Bireylerin romantik ilişki içinde bulundukları bireylerle birlikte iken akıllı telefona odaklanmaları olarak tanımlanan partner phubbing, romantik ilişkileri olumsuz etkileme potansiyeline sahip bir olgudur. Bu çalışmanın amacı da partner phubbing ile … Bireylerin romantik ilişki içinde bulundukları bireylerle birlikte iken akıllı telefona odaklanmaları olarak tanımlanan partner phubbing, romantik ilişkileri olumsuz etkileme potansiyeline sahip bir olgudur. Bu çalışmanın amacı da partner phubbing ile algılanan romantik ilişki kalitesi arasındaki ilişkide romantik ilişkilerde kendini açmanın aracı rolünü incelemektir. Kesitsel ve betimleyici nitelikteki bu çalışmada, kolayda örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmaya bir romantik ilişkiye sahip olan ve yaş ortalamaları 32 olan 375 kadın ve 189 erkek olmak üzere 564 kişi katılmıştır. Veriler, "Partner Phubbing Ölçeği", "Romantik İlişkide Kendini Açma Ölçeği", "Algılanan Romantik İlişki Kalitesi Ölçeği" ve "Demografik Bilgi Formu" kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Değişkenler arasındaki ilişkiler Pearson korelasyon analizi ile aracılık analizleri ise Process Makro-Model 4 ile analiz edilmiştir. Araştırmadan elde edilen sonuçlara göre partner phubbing ile romantik ilişkide kendini açma ve algılanan romantik ilişki kalitesi arasında negatif yönde, algılanan romantik ilişki kalitesi ile romantik ilişkide kendini açma arasında ise pozitif yönde anlamlı ilişkiler bulunmaktadır. Ayrıca algılanan romantik ilişki kalitesi, partner phubbing ve romantik ilişkide kendini açma arasındaki ilişkiye tam aracılık etmektedir. Araştırmanın sonuçları ilgili alanyazın kapsamında tartışılmış ve araştırmacılara önerilerde bulunulmuştur.

The Role of Interpersonal Characteristics in Early and Developing Therapeutic Alliance Among Periadolescents with Anxiety

2025-06-25

Samantha D. Sorid , Dana L. McMakin , Jennifer S. Silk +7 more | Child Psychiatry & Human Development

Abstract Little work has examined associations between interpersonal factors and changes in the therapeutic alliance. We examined the association between baseline youth family and peer interpersonal characteristics and therapeutic alliance … Abstract Little work has examined associations between interpersonal factors and changes in the therapeutic alliance. We examined the association between baseline youth family and peer interpersonal characteristics and therapeutic alliance throughout treatment in a sample of anxious youths who received cognitive behavioral therapy or client-centered therapy. Youths (N = 135; M = 10.94; SD = 1.46) were in a randomized clinical trial for anxiety disorders. Interpersonal characteristics were assessed via parent-report, youth self-report, and observational methods. Lower levels of parent-rated shyness, higher levels of positive interpersonal style, and being female were associated with higher early therapist-rated alliance. Being female was associated with more rapid increases in therapist-rated alliance. Friendship quality, younger age, and lower aggressive interpersonal style predicted higher baseline youth-rated alliance. Positive interpersonal style and stronger family functioning were associated with more rapid increases in youth-rated alliance. Therapists should be aware of client interpersonal characteristics when working with youth.

BAĞLANMA STİLLERİ, ÇATIŞMA YÖNETİMİ ve İLİŞKİ BAĞLILIĞI: YATIRIM MODELİ ÇERÇEVESİNDE BİR İNCELEME

2025-06-24

Fatma Can | Ankara Üniversitesi Dil ve Tarih-Coğrafya Fakültesi Dergisi

Bu araştırma, yetişkin bağlanma stilleri ile yatırım modeli bileşenleri (doyum, seçenekler ve yatırım) arasındaki ilişkide çatışma çözme stratejilerinin aracı rolünü incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmaya 237’si (%59.1) kadın ve 164’ü (%40.9) erkek … Bu araştırma, yetişkin bağlanma stilleri ile yatırım modeli bileşenleri (doyum, seçenekler ve yatırım) arasındaki ilişkide çatışma çözme stratejilerinin aracı rolünü incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmaya 237’si (%59.1) kadın ve 164’ü (%40.9) erkek olmak üzere flört ilişkisi olan, sözlü/nişanlı ve evli, toplam 401 kişi katılmıştır. Katılımcılara kolayda örnekleme yöntemi kullanılarak ulaşılmış ve çevrimiçi ortamda hazırlanan anketi doldurmaları istenmiştir. Katılımcılardan Demografik Bilgi Formu, Yakın İlişkilerde Yaşantılar Envanteri-II, İlişki İstikrarı Ölçeği ve Romantik Partner Çatışma Ölçeğini doldurmaları istenmiştir. Bulgular, hem kaygılı hem de kaçınmacı bağlanmanın, çatışma gibi stresli durumlara verilen tepkilerin farklılaşmasıyla ilişkili olduğunu ve bu farklı tepkilerin de ilişkideki doyum, yatırım ve alternatiflerin niteliği gibi ilişki sonuçlarını önemli ölçüde şekillendirdiğini göstermektedir. Kaygılı bağlanma stiline sahip bireylerin etkileşimsel tepkisellik, baskınlık gibi çatışmaya aktif katılımla ilişkili çatışma çözme stratejilerini tercih ettikleri ve bu durumun ilişki doyumunu olumsuz etkilerken, seçenekleri daha fazla değerlendirmeyle ilişkili olduğu görülmüştür. Kaçınmacı bağlanma stiline sahip bireylerin ise kaçınma ve boyun eğme gibi pasif stratejiler benimsediği ve bu stratejilerin ilişki yatırımı ve doyumu üzerinde olumlu etkiler yaratabileceği bulunmuştur. Bu sonuçlar, bağlanma stillerinin farklı çatışma çözme stratejileri aracılığıyla, romantik ilişkilerdeki dinamikler üzerindeki belirleyici rolünü ortaya koyarken, bağlanma teorisinin ilişki süreçlerinin anlaşılmasındaki önemini vurgulamaktadır. Bu bulgular, ilişki kalitesini artırmayı hedefleyen müdahale programlarının geliştirilmesine katkı sağlayabilir.

Intimacy reduces withdrawal after conflict in cohabiting couples

2025-06-24

Lin Lu , Siri Wilder , Karen J. Prager | Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

Withdrawal, meaning emotional disengagement or the “silent treatment,” compromises couple relationship satisfaction and well-being. In contrast, intimate interactions between partners —characterized by self-disclosure and understanding — promote warmth, mutual knowledge, … Withdrawal, meaning emotional disengagement or the “silent treatment,” compromises couple relationship satisfaction and well-being. In contrast, intimate interactions between partners —characterized by self-disclosure and understanding — promote warmth, mutual knowledge, and satisfaction. The benefits of intimacy may thereby reduce partners’ tendencies to withdraw after a conflict. Both partners in 217 committed, cohabiting couples (434 individuals) completed 14-day diaries reporting whether they had a conflict each day, intimacy in their interactions, and the extent to which either partner withdrew after conflict. Couples who experienced more intimacy, whether on days with conflict or on average during the study, withdrew less after their conflicts. Of intimacy’s two dimensions, understanding was a stronger predictor of reduced withdrawals than self-disclosure. Lastly, couples withdrew more following serious conflict. However, the more intimacy they experienced during the study, the less they withdrew. Particularly, more intimate couples remained less withdrawn even when conflict expanded beyond the initial problem (but not after contemptuous communication). Overall, the findings underscore the benefits of intimate communication in sustaining partners’ emotional availability in the face of conflict by reducing partners’ withdrawals.

Matched or Mismatched Perceived Parental Conflict Styles: Associations with Adult Child Romantic Relationship Outcomes

2025-06-23

Dean M. Busby , Hsin‐Yao Chiu , Ashley Forbush | Marriage & Family Review

Parental Marital Quality and School Bullying Victimization: A Moderated Mediation Model of Parent–Child Attachment and Child Gender

2025-06-23

Gary Peng , Qianhong Liang , Siying Li +3 more | Children

Background/Objectives: School bullying is a significant issue that negatively impacts children’s well-being, emphasizing the need to identify family-related factors contributing to bullying victimization. This study explored the potential link between … Background/Objectives: School bullying is a significant issue that negatively impacts children’s well-being, emphasizing the need to identify family-related factors contributing to bullying victimization. This study explored the potential link between parental marital quality and school bullying victimization by employing a moderated mediation model. Methods: Parent–child attachment, measured separately as father–child and mother–child attachment, was tested as a mediator, with child gender included as a moderator. Data were collected from both children and their mothers, comprising 358 mother–child pairs recruited from three primary schools in suburban Beijing, China. Results: Results revealed that greater parental marital quality was associated with a lower risk of bullying victimization, with father–child attachment mediating this relationship. Furthermore, child gender moderated the mediating effect of father–child attachment, such that the indirect pathway from parental marital quality to bullying victimization through father–child attachment was statistically significant for girls but not for boys. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of father–child attachment in preventing bullying victimization and suggest that gender-sensitive implications may be necessary.

“An Informed Risk Assessment”: A Qualitative Exploration of Elite Climbers’ Experiences During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period

2025-06-23

Margie H. Davenport , Lauren Ray , Jessica Donze Black +1 more | Sports Medicine

Marital Self-Expansion: A Mixed Method Study

2025-06-23

Dilek Akça Koca , Ayşin Satan | Research on Education and Psychology

This research aims to analyze marital self-expansion by mixed method. Designed as an exploratory sequential design, the research consists of qualitative and quantitative stages. In the qualitative stage of the … This research aims to analyze marital self-expansion by mixed method. Designed as an exploratory sequential design, the research consists of qualitative and quantitative stages. In the qualitative stage of the research, marital self-expansion was examined with an interpretative phenomenological design. A study group of ten determined people was formed by criterion sampling, one of the purposive sampling methods. As a result of the qualitative analysis, eight main themes related to marital self-expansion were identified; interactional, emotional, physical, nutritional, intellectual, contextual, sensual, and spiritual. In addition, a total of 18 sub-themes and 69 codes related to these main themes were reached. In the quantitative stage, which is the second stage of the research, the 'Marital Self-Expansion Scale (MSES)' was developed based on the findings in the qualitative study. In order to ensure the validity of the scale, content validity, construct validity, and criterion validity were performed. As a result, a valid and reliable MSES with seven sub-dimensions and 36 items for married people was added to the literature. At the end of the study, qualitative and quantitative findings were discussed first separately and then together.

Understanding adolescents’ family communication during COVID-19: An ecological momentary design study.

2025-06-23

Shedrick L. Garrett , Kaitlyn Burnell , Jolien Trekels +2 more | Developmental Psychology

The COVID-19 pandemic presented many new challenges for families to navigate. The present study took place between May and September 2020 and included a racially diverse sample of adolescents (34% … The COVID-19 pandemic presented many new challenges for families to navigate. The present study took place between May and September 2020 and included a racially diverse sample of adolescents (34% White/European, 30% Latine, 24% Black/African American, 9% multiracial/other race; N = 213, Mage = 15 years, 53% girls). Participants reported their affective responses to COVID-19 in a baseline survey and completed 14 days of ecological momentary assessments (3× daily) of the frequency, mode, and quality of communication with their parents and siblings, and their positive and negative affect. Adolescents with more COVID-19 negative affect reported more frequent digital communication with their siblings and reported the quality of their communication with parents and siblings as more negative. During hours when adolescents reported the quality of their communication with parents as more positive, they also reported higher positive affect and lower negative affect. During hours when adolescents reported the quality of their communication with siblings as more positive, they reported higher positive affect in the same hour. Relatedly, during hours with less negative communication with parents and siblings, adolescents reported more positive affect in the same hour. These associations were not contingent on if communication was digital or in-person. Results highlight the importance of the quality of family communication for understanding adolescents' emotions during the pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Relationships Between Attachment Styles, Self Esteem, Cognitive Distortions and Academic Anxiety of University Students: Trials of Alternative Models

2025-06-22

Kenan Bülbül , Hatice Odacı | Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

Essential Design Principles for a Family Digital Mental Health Intervention: A Delphi Study

2025-06-22

Ellen T. Welsh , Zoe C. G. Cloud , James Boyd +1 more | Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

ABSTRACT Systemic family therapy aims to improve mental health and well‐being in the face of challenge by optimizing relational health between family members or people in close relationships. The potential … ABSTRACT Systemic family therapy aims to improve mental health and well‐being in the face of challenge by optimizing relational health between family members or people in close relationships. The potential of digital interventions for family mental health is underexplored. This study aimed to understand core principles that facilitate end‐user acceptability and engagement with such a resource. A modified Delphi study was conducted to identify key factors, barriers, and risks influencing family engagement with a digital mental health intervention (DMHI). The 18 participants comprised consumers ( n = 5), family therapists ( n = 8), and digital mental health professionals ( n = 5). Participants completed online questionnaires over two rounds. An agreement was reached on 23 essential factors, within four design principles: informed choice, anonymity and privacy, accessibility, and support and connection. Implications for the design of family DMHIs are considered alongside existing knowledge about individually focused DMHIs.

The Efficacy of the Hold Me Tight Relationship Education Program Delivered by Paraprofessionals in South Africa

2025-06-22

Adrian J. Blow , Elmien Lesch , Andrea K. Wittenborn +5 more | Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

ABSTRACT While there is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of Hold Me Tight (HMT) as a relationship education intervention for couples, more studies are needed to test … ABSTRACT While there is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of Hold Me Tight (HMT) as a relationship education intervention for couples, more studies are needed to test its efficacy in under‐resourced communities. In this mixed‐methods study, we explored the efficacy of HMT when delivered by paraprofessionals in South Africa. After training paraprofessionals, we assessed the efficacy of their delivery of HMT to individuals who were a part of the couple dyads participating in six HMT groups. When comparing pre‐test to posttest outcomes, participants showed significant improvements in emotional control, relationship trust, relationship satisfaction, attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and psychological distress; using a Bonferroni correction, emotional control and relationship satisfaction remained significant. Nine participants completed qualitative interviews and the findings indicated that participants had a positive HMT experience and it enabled them to focus on their relationship in new ways. Some cultural and gender differences and concerns were identified.

Exploring the Relationship Between Other-Directedness Schema and Dysfunctional Anger Expression in Korean Adults: Mediating Roles of Rejection Sensitivity and Mentalizing

2025-06-22

Eunsoo Moon , JeeEun Karin Nam | Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

Are Situationships situational?: A Mixed-Methods Study on the Motivations for Being in a Situationship

2025-06-21

Michael R. Langlais , Paloma Martínez Guzmán , Liam A. Toohey +2 more | Sexuality & Culture

Relational Cultural Therapy with Black Mothers

2025-06-21

Zoeann Finzi-Adams , Kimber Shelton | Journal of Creativity in Mental Health

Attachment Insecurities and Commitment: The Mediator Role of Relationship Uncertainty

2025-06-20

İpek Şenkal Ertürk , Aygül Akyüz , Ayda Büyükşahin Sunal | Psychological Reports

It is widely known that attachment insecurity in romantic relationships reduces commitment to relationships. One of the factors affecting this relationship is the uncertainty experienced in the relationship. The main … It is widely known that attachment insecurity in romantic relationships reduces commitment to relationships. One of the factors affecting this relationship is the uncertainty experienced in the relationship. The main aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of relationship uncertainty on the relationship between attachment insecurities (attachment anxiety and avoidance dimension) and commitment. For this purpose, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted on 276 individuals with a romantic partner. A scale battery including a Demographic Information Form, Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R), Relationship Commitment Scale, and Relational Uncertainty Scale was administered to participants. A mediation model with Structural Equation Modeling and bootstrapping techniques was employed in data analysis. Results indicated that both attachment anxiety ( β = −.21, CI: −.31, −.12, p < .001) and avoidance ( β = −.07, CI: −.13, −.01, p < .05) significantly and negatively predicted relationship commitment via relationship uncertainty, controlling for the sociodemographic factors (age and relationship duration). That is, both attachment anxiety and avoidance tended to increase relationship uncertainty; increased relationship uncertainty in turn tended to decrease relationship commitment, albeit with different motivations. A total of 56% of the variance was explained by all the explanatory variables in the model. These results indicate that relationship uncertainty plays a significant role in the relations between attachment dimensions and relationship commitment. Additionally, the results indicated that relationship uncertainty negatively affected the commitment of individuals with attachment anxiety more than that of individuals with attachment avoidance.

Studie om sexualitetens betydelse i parterapi: Är det ett område som familjerådgivare bör uppmärksamma?

2025-06-20

G. Wasserman | Fokus på familien

Promoting Acceptance of Differences: A Web‐Based Intervention for South Korean Couples

2025-06-20

Ah Young Lim | Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

ABSTRACT This study adapted and validated a web‐based program to enhance attitudes toward accepting differences in couple relationships and evaluated its effects on relationship quality, interactions, and psychological well‐being. Grounded … ABSTRACT This study adapted and validated a web‐based program to enhance attitudes toward accepting differences in couple relationships and evaluated its effects on relationship quality, interactions, and psychological well‐being. Grounded in the core principles and acceptance‐facilitating strategies of integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT), the program was culturally adapted to reflect relational dynamics common among South Korean couples. It was offered in clinician‐guided and self‐guided formats. Thirty‐four couples experiencing distress over interpersonal differences were randomly assigned, completed four sessions, and participated in pre‐, post‐, and follow‐up surveys. Both groups showed significant improvements in acceptance of differences and relationship satisfaction, with reduced distress. The clinician‐guided group showed added benefits, including greater intimacy, stability, constructive communication, and life satisfaction, along with reductions in perceived differences, conflict, and depression. Sex‐specific effects revealed greater benefits for women in the clinician‐guided condition. These results highlight the program's effectiveness and provide insights for its application and further research.

Video chat and in-person modality switches in online dating: An exploration of modality-switching motives, modality expansion, channel choice, and outcomes

2025-06-19

Erin M. Sumner , Audrey Herrera , Artemio Ramirez | New Media & Society

The present study sampled online daters to (a) inductively explore their motives for meeting a potential partner for face-to-face (FtF)-like interaction (i.e. a modality switch [MS]); (b) examine modality-switching motives … The present study sampled online daters to (a) inductively explore their motives for meeting a potential partner for face-to-face (FtF)-like interaction (i.e. a modality switch [MS]); (b) examine modality-switching motives and pre-MS modality expansion in relation to MS channel choice (e.g. video chat or in person); and (c) investigate whether MS motives, degree of pre-MS modality expansion, and MS channel are associated with partners going on a second FtF-like date. Results revealed that online daters possessed both relational (i.e. romantic, sexual, and platonic companionship) and information-seeking (i.e. fact-checking and exploration) MS motives. Holding the MS in person was associated with romantic, sexual, and platonic companionship motives, whereas meeting through video chat was associated with fact-checking motives and the degree of pre-MS channel expansion. Romantic MS motives and having held the MS through video chat were both associated with online daters going on a second FtF-like date.

Effects of Chatting Styles on Sharers’ Emotions During Online Conversations

2025-06-19

Gloria Wai Shan , Chloe Pavey , Conrado Eiroa‐Solans +1 more | European Journal of Social Psychology

ABSTRACT Prior social sharing research suggests that cueing sharers to focus on recounting emotionally arousing details of a negative experience often increases negative affect, whereas cueing them to reconstrue the … ABSTRACT Prior social sharing research suggests that cueing sharers to focus on recounting emotionally arousing details of a negative experience often increases negative affect, whereas cueing them to reconstrue the experience leads to emotional recovery. Extending these findings, we tested whether interpersonal encouragement of reconstrual was consistently more effective than that of recounting in improving emotions induced by different kinds of stressors that varied in collectiveness and emotional content (interpersonal conflicts vs. COVID‐19 news in Study 1; regretful vs. angry conflicts in Study 2). In addition, rather than a generic instruction to reconstrue as used in Study 1, Study 2 focused on two specific forms of reconstrual (stimulus‐reappraisal and perspective‐taking) and compared their emotional effects to those of recounting in online dyadic settings. Results showed that reconstrual generally had more beneficial effects than recounting by promoting meaning‐making in both studies. Study 1 showed that reconstrual helped achieve an enhanced sense of closure, and Study 2 revealed that certain reconstrual styles were more effective in regulating certain emotional responses. Specifically, perspective‐taking was especially effective in regulating anger, whereas stimulus‐reappraisal seemed more suited for reducing negative affect about regretful events.

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Comparing raw score difference, multilevel modeling, and structural equation modeling methods for estimating discrepancy in dyads

2025-06-19

Amber McEnturff , Qi Chen , Robin K. Henson +2 more | Frontiers in Psychology

Introduction Dyadic data analysis is commonly used in psychological research involving pairs of individuals in a nested relationship, such as parent and child, student and teacher, and pairs of spouses. … Introduction Dyadic data analysis is commonly used in psychological research involving pairs of individuals in a nested relationship, such as parent and child, student and teacher, and pairs of spouses. There are several methods for calculating dyadic discrepancy (i.e., difference) scores, and purpose of the present study was to explore which of these methods produced the most accurate discrepancy estimates and most accurate outcome prediction. Methods Using a Monte Carlo simulation, the present study compared three methods for estimating discrepancy scores in dyad pairs: raw score difference (RSD), empirical Bayes estimates from multilevel modeling (MLM), and factor scores from structural equation modeling (SEM). Design factors for this simulation included intraclass correlation (ICC), cluster number, reliability estimates, effect size of discrepancy, and effect size variance. Results Results suggest discrepancy estimates from MLM had poor reliability compared to RSD and SEM methods. These findings were driven primarily by having a high ICC, high effect size variance, and low number of clusters. None of the design factors had an appreciable impact on either the RSD or SEM estimates. Discussion RSD and SEM methods performed similarly, and are recommended for practical use in estimating discrepancy values. MLM is not recommended as it featured comparatively poor reliability.

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That’s what friends are for: anxious and avoidant attachment, workplace friendship and job performance

2025-06-18

Zexi Flavia Li , Cécile Emery , Allan Lee | European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology

Development and Validation of Interpersonal Patterns Scale for Married Couples

2025-06-18

Shahida Dar , SM Hasan | Social science review archives.

Marital relationships in Pakistan are shaped by collectivist cultural norms, extended family involvement, and traditional gender roles, necessitating culturally sensitive tools to assess interpersonal patterns (IPs). Existing Western scales, such … Marital relationships in Pakistan are shaped by collectivist cultural norms, extended family involvement, and traditional gender roles, necessitating culturally sensitive tools to assess interpersonal patterns (IPs). Existing Western scales, such as the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, often fail to capture these nuances, highlighting the need for an indigenous Interpersonal Patterns Scale (IPS) tailored for Pakistani married couples. This study aimed to develop and validate the IPS to measure adaptive and maladaptive IPs within Pakistan’s socio-cultural context, addressing a critical gap in marital research. A mixed-method design was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. In Phase 1, phenomenological interviews with 18 married individuals and three therapists generated an initial pool of 77 items, refined to 37 through thematic analysis. Phase 2 established content validity using a Content Validity Index (CVI) with three expert therapists. A pilot study in Phase 3 tested the scale’s user-friendliness with 20 participants. In Phase 4, psychometric properties were assessed with 300 married individuals (150 couples) using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), alongside concurrent validity with the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale and Revised Adult Attachment Scale. EFA revealed a two-factor structure: Healing Interpersonal Pattern (29 items, α = .97) and Sociocultural Interpersonal Pattern (8 items, α = .89), explaining 58.46% of the variance. The scale demonstrated strong content validity (S-CVI = 1.00), split-half reliability (r = .80–.85), and concurrent validity, with Healing IPs positively correlated with marital satisfaction (r = .69, p < .01) and close attachment style (r = .21, p < .01), and Sociocultural IPs linked to anxious attachment style (r = .34, p < .01). The IPS effectively captures Pakistan-specific marital dynamics, offering a reliable tool for research and clinical interventions.

Bonds of Resilience – A Longitudinal Perspective on Distress, Resilience and Attachment Orientations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2025-06-18

Hadas Egozi Farkash , Mooli Lahad , Limor Aharonson‐Daniel | Social Indicators Research

Abstract Attachment theory emphasizes the relationship between attachment bonds and mental health. This longitudinal study integrates socio-psychological approaches regarding variations in attachment orientations during long-lasting crises. An online questionnaire was … Abstract Attachment theory emphasizes the relationship between attachment bonds and mental health. This longitudinal study integrates socio-psychological approaches regarding variations in attachment orientations during long-lasting crises. An online questionnaire was distributed to 2305 adults (April 2020—November 2021), with 1022 respondents, to examine distress and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxious attachment orientation increased longitudinally and was found to be a risk factor for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, while avoidant attachment orientation decreased over the third measurement. Psychological variables were significantly associated with traumatic symptoms and explained 30.4% of the variance in traumatic symptoms and 18.8% of the variance in personal resilience. Our research provides insights regarding the different patterns of insecure attachment orientations over time when secure attachment orientation and resilience serve as protective factors during a long-lasting crisis. Cultivating secure attachment, resilience, and hope as protective factors may help leaders and therapists develop psycho-educational interventions to support mental health.

Parental Attachment and Parental Autonomy Support as Predictors of Prosocial Behaviour Among Indian Adolescents

2025-06-18

Vinay Mahajan , Rupan Dhillon | Annals of Neurosciences

The development of prosocial behaviour is a crucial facet of adolescent growth, encompassing acts of kindness, empathy and cooperation. It is widely recognised that multiple factors influence the formation of … The development of prosocial behaviour is a crucial facet of adolescent growth, encompassing acts of kindness, empathy and cooperation. It is widely recognised that multiple factors influence the formation of prosocial tendencies during adolescence. Among these factors, parental attachment and parental autonomy support are pivotal. Attachment theory states that secure parent-child bonds form the bedrock of prosocial behaviour. Adolescents with emotionally close, trusting parental relationships exhibit greater prosocial behaviour. Furthermore, parental autonomy support, which balances guidance with decision-making freedom, further nurtures responsibility and empathy. Together, these factors play a crucial role in shaping adolescents' prosocial behaviour. In this study, the relationship between parental attachment and autonomy with prosocial behaviour is studied by using correlation and regression analyses. All attachment and autonomy support variables demonstrated positive correlations with overall prosocial behaviour except for alienation from mother and father, which showed a negative association. This indicates that a stronger connection with the parents is linked to higher prosocial behaviour. Additionally, mother communication along with mother and father offering choice within certain limits as predictors of prosocial behaviours in adolescents is a major finding of the study.

Handle With Care: The Effects of Benevolent Sexism on Christian Cross-Sex Friendships

2025-06-18

Wadzie Chikungwa , M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall , Tamara L. Anderson +1 more | Journal of Psychology and Theology

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of benevolent sexism on cross-sex friendships among evangelical Christians. This study consisted of 13 male and 13 female participants, with … The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of benevolent sexism on cross-sex friendships among evangelical Christians. This study consisted of 13 male and 13 female participants, with ages ranging from 25 to 59 ( M = 35.77, SD = 10.86). We analyzed interviews using grounded theory methodology. Results indicated that Christians hold gender-based assumptions that are consistent with benevolent sexism. These benevolently sexist assumptions create a self-reinforcing, dynamic barrier, “The Wall,” that negatively impacts Christians’ cross-sex friendships. Finally, findings indicate that Christians engage in various “wall-management behaviors” to navigate this barrier, and that these behaviors may inadvertently reinforce The Wall. Findings highlight a need for exploring sexist attitudes and behaviors among evangelical Christians. These findings also have implications for Christian friendships, for clinical work, for further research, and for community intervention.

The Father or the Mother: Who Is Associated With Attachment to a Partner? The Moderating Effect of Romantic Relationship Satisfaction on Insecure Attachment Styles

2025-06-18

Anna Papińska , Dominika Van de Rijdt | Roczniki Psychologiczne

The article examines the association of attachment styles from childhood to adulthood in a retrospective manner and their relationship with romantic relationships, focusing on gender differences and relationship satisfaction. The … The article examines the association of attachment styles from childhood to adulthood in a retrospective manner and their relationship with romantic relationships, focusing on gender differences and relationship satisfaction. The study involved 309 adults (170 women, 139 men) aged 18 to 74 in romantic relationships. The results suggest that individuals who retrospectively report certain attachment patterns with parents in childhood tend to report similar patterns in adult romantic relationships. Significant differences were found in attachment to mother and father, especially by gender. In women, anxious attachment in adulthood was associated with anxious attachment to both parents, while avoidant patterns showed weaker associations. In men, avoidant attachment to the mother was not associated with anxious attachment in adulthood. These findings highlight the differences in attachment dynamics to the mother and the father and their association with romantic relationships. Relationship satisfaction may moderate the negative associations of insecure attachment styles with romantic involvement. This underscores the need for considering attachment histories in therapeutic interventions.

Does stress promote or inhibit romantic partner support? A systematic review of competing hypotheses

2025-06-17

Matthew A. Ogan , J. Kale Monk | Journal of Family Theory & Review

Abstract Stress can negatively impact individual and relationship functioning. Romantic partner support is often assessed as a moderator of the effect of stress on well‐being. However, partner support is also … Abstract Stress can negatively impact individual and relationship functioning. Romantic partner support is often assessed as a moderator of the effect of stress on well‐being. However, partner support is also conceptualized as a response to stress, highlighting a direct connection between stress and the support process. The support mobilization and deterioration models make competing claims about whether support increases or decreases in the face of stress, respectively. To clarify these rival assertions, this review synthesizes research on the direct effects of stress on partner support, identifying the circumstances in which support may occur. Results suggest that stress can prompt or inhibit romantic partner support depending on characteristics of the context in which it is elicited and study design. Discussion centers on methodological approaches to further clarify the effects of stress on support. Theoretical approaches to resilience must account for the influences of stressors on the resilience processes that are required to adapt.

Parental Gender and Adult Attachment Style in the Transition to Parenthood: Implications for Parent–Infant Interaction, Parenting Stress, and Parental Leave Practices

2025-06-17

Eivor Fredriksen , Tilmann von Soest , Mona Bekkhus +4 more | Journal of Marriage and Family

ABSTRACT Objective Aiming to broaden our understanding of parental gender differences within the framework of attachment theory, this study explores how parents' prenatal attachment styles relate to parenting stress, parent–infant … ABSTRACT Objective Aiming to broaden our understanding of parental gender differences within the framework of attachment theory, this study explores how parents' prenatal attachment styles relate to parenting stress, parent–infant interaction, and paternity leave, by investigating how attachment styles and gender interact to predict parenting outcomes. Background The attachment system is at the core of parental adjustments during the perinatal period, underscored by the interplay between attachment styles and caregiving behavior. Yet, gender differences in these associations remain poorly understood, despite variations in parenting roles. Methods Families ( N = 1036) participating in a prospective community‐based study in Norway reported adult attachment orientations during pregnancy. Postnatal data included self‐reported parenting stress, observed mother–infant/father–infant interactions, and paternal parental leave uptake. A path analysis was carried out, using multigroup comparisons to investigate parental gender differences. Results Prenatal adult attachment avoidance and anxiety predicted higher parenting stress (range: β = 0.12–0.38), and attachment avoidance predicted higher father–infant interactional difficulties postnatally ( β = 0.35). Fathers' attachment insecurities were related to lower uptake of paternity leave through indirect pathways with a small effect size. Associations between attachment avoidance and all parenting outcomes were consistently stronger for fathers than mothers. Conclusion Adult attachment styles among expectant parents are associated with a diverse range of parenting outcomes, with findings revealing gendered patterns in the links between adult attachment and caregiving systems during the perinatal period.

The mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between sexual health literacy and sexual communication self-efficacy among married nursing students

2025-06-17

Shaimaa Mohamed Amin , Heba Emad El‐Gazar , Mohamed Ali Zoromba +4 more | BMC Nursing

Abstract Background Sexual health literacy is essential for improving communication about sexual health, especially among married nursing students. Emotional intelligence may play a significant role in facilitating this communication by … Abstract Background Sexual health literacy is essential for improving communication about sexual health, especially among married nursing students. Emotional intelligence may play a significant role in facilitating this communication by mediating the relationship between sexual health literacy and sexual communication self-efficacy. Objective This study aimed to examine the relationships between sexual health literacy, emotional intelligence, and sexual communication self-efficacy among married nursing students and assess the mediating role of emotional intelligence. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 340 married female nursing students at the Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt. Data were collected using validated scales for sexual health literacy, emotional intelligence, and sexual communication self-efficacy. Statistical analyses were performed, including t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and mediation analysis via the PROCESS macro (Model 4). Bias-corrected bootstrapping with 5,000 resamples was applied to test for the mediating effects of emotional intelligence. Results The results revealed no significant differences in sexual health literacy, sexual communication self-efficacy, or emotional intelligence across demographics. Pearson correlations demonstrated that sexual health literacy was positively correlated with sexual communication self-efficacy ( r = .388, p < .01) and emotional intelligence ( r = .560, p < .01). Mediation analysis showed that emotional intelligence significantly mediated the relationship between sexual health literacy and sexual communication self-efficacy (B = 0.04,). The effect of sexual health literacy on sexual communication self-efficacy was significant (B = 0.19, p < .001), with emotional intelligence accounting for a portion of this relationship. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of sexual health literacy in promoting effective communication about sexual health. Emotional intelligence plays a key mediating role, suggesting that enhancing both sexual health literacy and emotional intelligence could improve sexual communication self-efficacy among married nursing students. These findings suggest potential interventions to integrate emotional intelligence training into sexual health education programs to enhance communication outcomes. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Training Paraprofessionals to Implement Hold Me Tight in South Africa: Outcomes and Experiences

2025-06-16

Adrian J. Blow , Tina M. Timm , Elmien Lesch +5 more | Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

ABSTRACT No studies have examined the effectiveness of Hold Me Tight (HMT) delivered outside of North America by paraprofessionals. In this study, paraprofessionals were trained to deliver HMT experientially by … ABSTRACT No studies have examined the effectiveness of Hold Me Tight (HMT) delivered outside of North America by paraprofessionals. In this study, paraprofessionals were trained to deliver HMT experientially by personally receiving the intervention along with didactic training on establishing and delivering HMT groups. Paraprofessionals' outcomes and their qualitative experiences learning and delivering HMT were assessed. Paired‐samples t ‐tests comparing pre‐ and posttest scores showed significant positive differences for emotional control, relationship trust, attachment avoidance, and psychological distress. There were no statistically significant differences for relationship satisfaction and attachment anxiety. Qualitative interviews showed that paraprofessionals had a positive experience of the training and that most facilitators felt confident in delivering HMT after the training. Their experiences receiving the training and establishing and delivering HMT are described.

Unpacking Conflict: Examining The Role of Conflict Resolution Styles In Long Term Committed Romantic Relationships

2025-06-16

G R Keerthana | INTERANTIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT

ABSTRACT Conflict is an inherent aspect of romantic relationships. This study examined the influence of conflict resolution styles on long-term committed romantic relationships. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were … ABSTRACT Conflict is an inherent aspect of romantic relationships. This study examined the influence of conflict resolution styles on long-term committed romantic relationships. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were collected from 60 participants through snowball sampling. Participants completed the Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory (CRSI) and provided demographic details. Statistical analysis using SPSS revealed no significant association between conflict resolution styles and either relationship duration or gender, suggesting that these demographic factors do not meaningfully influence how partners manage conflict. These findings challenge traditional assumptions and align with literature emphasizing the importance of emotional and interpersonal dynamics—such as emotional intelligence, communication quality, and attachment styles—in shaping conflict behaviour. The study underscores the need to shift from demographic to psychological and relational predictors when understanding conflict patterns. Implications include guiding counsellors and educators to prioritize emotional regulation and communication skill-building. Future research should explore variables like emotional intimacy, digital habits, and personality traits using dyadic and longitudinal designs. Keywords: conflict resolution styles, gender, romantic relationships, relationship duration

A Prospective Study on the Association of Parental and Peer Attachment and the General Factor of Personality

2025-06-16

Curtis S. Dunkel , T. Kawamoto , Dimitri van der Linden | Journal of Adolescence

The Relationship between Avoidant Attachment and Interpersonal Problems: The Sequential Mediating Effects of Internalized Shame and Cognitive Flexibility

2025-06-15

Jae-Hyuk An , Seungyun Kim , Hyunju Choi | Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction

Objectives The present study aimed to examine the structural relationship between adult attachment avoidance and interpersonal problems, focusing on the sequential mediating roles of internalized shame and cognitive flexibility. Methods … Objectives The present study aimed to examine the structural relationship between adult attachment avoidance and interpersonal problems, focusing on the sequential mediating roles of internalized shame and cognitive flexibility. Methods A total of 300 Korean adults participated in this study, completing measures assessing adult attachment avoidance (ECR-R), internalized shame (ISS), cognitive flexibility (CFI), and interpersonal problems (KIIP-SC). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 25.0. Results First, adult attachment avoidance was positively associated with internalized shame and interpersonal problems but was not directly related to cognitive flexibility. Second, internalized shame exhibited a significant negative association with cognitive flexibility and a positive association with interpersonal problems. Third, cognitive flexibility was negatively correlated with interpersonal problems. Fourth, structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that internalized shame partially mediated the relationship between adult attachment avoidance and interpersonal problems. Fifth, internalized shame fully mediated the relationship between adult attachment avoidance and cognitive flexibility. Sixth, the sequential mediation effect of internalized shame and cognitive flexibility in the relationship between adult attachment avoidance and interpersonal problems was confirmed. Conclusions These findings suggest that individuals with higher attachment avoidance may experience interpersonal difficulties due to heightened internalized shame and reduced cognitive flexibility. This study highlights the importance of addressing both emotional (internalized shame) and cognitive (cognitive flexibility) factors in counseling interventions for individuals experiencing interpersonal problems related to attachment avoidance.

Emerging Adults’ Relational Turbulence with Parents as a Function of Parent Involvement in Their Romantic Relationship: A Conditional Process Analysis

2025-06-14

Paul Schrodt , Emily Stager | Communication Research

Using relational turbulence theory, this study examined the conditional direct and indirect associations between parent involvement (i.e., facilitation and interference) in emerging adults’ romantic relationships and relational turbulence in the … Using relational turbulence theory, this study examined the conditional direct and indirect associations between parent involvement (i.e., facilitation and interference) in emerging adults’ romantic relationships and relational turbulence in the parent-child relationship vis-à-vis the valence of conversations with parents about the romantic partner. Participants included 264 emerging adult children who were involved in a romantic relationship. Parent interference with the romantic partnership was directly and indirectly associated with turbulence in the parent-child relationship via communication valence. The direct association was conditioned by the family’s conversation orientation and whether the adult child valued the parent’s opinion about their romantic partnership, whereas the indirect association was not. Likewise, parent facilitation was directly and indirectly associated with turbulence via communication valence, though again only the direct association was conditioned by conversation orientation and valuing the parent’s opinion. Implications for relational turbulence theory are discussed.

Adult attachment profiles and correlates of relationship quality and emotional expression styles in Turkish married individuals

2025-06-13

Cennet Yastıbaş , Arzu Araz , Duygu Güngör +1 more | Current Psychology

Within-person variability and couple synchrony in state relationship satisfaction: Testing predictors and implications.

2025-06-12

Louisa Scheling , Cornelia Wrzus , Rebekka Weidmann +4 more | Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

To better understand romantic relationship development, research has focused on how trait relationship satisfaction develops across months and years. However, because romantic relationships evolve in daily life, it is critical … To better understand romantic relationship development, research has focused on how trait relationship satisfaction develops across months and years. However, because romantic relationships evolve in daily life, it is critical to also examine state relationship satisfaction and its fluctuations across and within days. In this preregistered study, we examined how strongly romantic partners vary in their state relationship satisfaction (within-person variability) and how synchronous they are in their variability (couple synchrony). Moreover, we focused on predictors (demographic, personality, and relationship characteristics) and implications (trait relationship satisfaction, stability) of variability and synchrony. We used two dyadic data sets of female-male couples, including 593 couples in Study 1 and 150 couples in Study 2. State relationship satisfaction was assessed daily in a multiwave diary study (Study 1) and multiple times a day in an experience sampling study (Study 2). The results of dynamic structural equation modeling indicated that individuals varied significantly in their state relationship satisfaction, with higher variability across than within days, and that couple synchrony was moderate to high. Key predictors of variability were both partners' perceived responsiveness and men's neuroticism, while the main predictor of couple synchrony was women's perceived responsiveness. Higher variability was related to lower trait relationship satisfaction, but variability and synchrony had no long-term implications for relationship satisfaction and stability. Together, these findings provide a granular view on romantic relationships, suggesting that variability in state relationship satisfaction is common to most romantic relationships. High variability, however, may be an indicator of unmet needs in the relationship. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Romantic Partners with Mismatched Relationship Satisfaction Showed Greater Interpersonal Neural Synchrony When Co-Viewing Emotive Videos: An Exploratory Pilot fNIRS Hyperscanning Study

2025-06-12

Wen Xiu Heng , Li Ying Ng , Zen Ziyi Goh +2 more | NeuroSci

Emotional attunement, or emotional co-regulation in a relationship, can manifest as interpersonal neural synchrony, where partners exhibit similar anti-phase or phase-shifted brain activity. In adult romantic relationships, emotional attunement may … Emotional attunement, or emotional co-regulation in a relationship, can manifest as interpersonal neural synchrony, where partners exhibit similar anti-phase or phase-shifted brain activity. In adult romantic relationships, emotional attunement may differ according to relationship satisfaction. No study has examined how relationship satisfaction difference influences interpersonal neural synchrony. This exploratory pilot study on 17 couples (unmarried Chinese undergraduate couples in a Southeast Asian university) investigated whether relationship satisfaction difference influenced interpersonal neural synchrony during a shared emotive experience. Each couple wore an fNIRS cap to measure brain activity in their prefrontal cortex (PFC) while co-viewing seven videos intended to evoke positive, negative or neutral emotions. We found preliminary evidence that relationship satisfaction difference modulated interpersonal neural synchrony in the right ventral PFC regions, including the right ventromedial PFC (involved in the encoding of emotional values to stimuli and emotional regulation), right ventrolateral PFC (involved in voluntary emotional regulation) and the right orbitofrontal cortex (involved in processing of emotional experiences and regulation of emotions). This suggested that couples with mismatched relationship satisfaction displayed greater interpersonal neural synchrony, possibly due to mutual social cognitive processes when viewing emotive videos together. Further studies can replicate the findings with larger, diverse samples.

THE PRIMARY PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF MARITAL DISSOLUTION

2025-06-11

Arzu Bagirzadeh | Baltic Journal of Legal and Social Sciences

The family, as a fundamental social institution forming the cornerstone of society, has retained its significance and is unlikely to diminish in importance in the foreseeable future. However, the evolving … The family, as a fundamental social institution forming the cornerstone of society, has retained its significance and is unlikely to diminish in importance in the foreseeable future. However, the evolving dynamics of human personality, gender relations, socio-economic structures, and moral frameworks have given rise to numerous contradictions within the family unit. The inability to resolve these conflicts often leads to family dissolution, resulting in various socio-psychological consequences. It is well established that such disruptions, which inflict profound emotional distress on family members, primarily affect children. The impact of familial conflicts and psychological distress varies depending on the child’s age and socio-economic background. Historically, in efforts to stabilize familial relations, extended family members, community elders, and respected figures within society played a crucial role in mediation. In contemporary society, advancements in science and technology, the specialization of professionals across various fields, the expansion of social assistance programs, and the prioritization of family, child, and gender-related policies in state social frameworks have collectively contributed to positive developments in this domain. Nevertheless, divorce rates continue to rise annually, coinciding with an increase in health complications among children, exacerbated by environmental pollution and other socio-psychological stressors. These stressors, in turn, manifest in conditions such as neurological disorders, emotional instability, and mental health issues. Persistent exposure to stress may result in depression, heightened anxiety, and other adverse psychological outcomes. To mitigate these effects, both theoretical and applied research initiatives are being undertaken to regulate these issues and facilitate the child’s reintegration into a stable life. A comprehensive examination of existing efforts and unresolved challenges in this domain will contribute to future advancements in addressing the complexities of family dissolution. The historical conceptualization of parental responsibilities, including child-rearing obligations, has been shaped by deeply rooted societal values, traditions, and familial role models. The interplay between social norms, cultural customs, and personal parental experiences informs the ethical and normative frameworks governing parental duties. Furthermore, beyond legal regulation, parental obligations in every society are also, to some extent, influenced by public opinion and societal expectations.