Adult Attachment Theory, Research, and Clinical Implications

by Rholes, W. Steven; Simpson, Jeffry A.

• ISBN13: 9781593853761
• ISBN10: 1593853769
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-06-26
• Publisher: The Guilford Press

Summary

With contributions from leading investigators, this volume presents important theoretical and empirical advances in the study of adult attachment. Chapters take stock of the state of knowledge in the field and introduce new, testable theoretical models to guide future research. Major topics covered include stability and change of attachment orientations across the lifespan; influences of attachment on cognitive functioning; and implications for the ways individuals experience intimacy, conflict, caregiving, and satisfaction in adult relationships. Also explored are the ways attachment theory and research can inform therapy with couples and can further understanding of such significant clinical problems as PTSD and depression.

Author Biography

W. Steven Rholes, PhD, is Professor and Head of the Department of Psychology at Texas A&M University. He has conducted research programs in social cognition, children's social development, and adult attachment since receiving a degree in psychology from Princeton University in 1978. In 1992, along with his colleague Jeffry Simpson, Dr. Rholes published one of the first studies to confirm predictions about avoidant attachment style, using behavioral observations as evidence. For the past decade, the impact of attachment styles on emotional support sought and provided by members of romantic couples has been the central focus of his research program. Dr. Rholes has also served in two administrative positions, department chair and associate dean, during this period.

Jeffry A. Simpson, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Formerly, he was Professor of Psychology at Texas A&M University. Dr. Simpson received his doctorate in psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1986. His research focuses on interpersonal relationships, evolution and social behavior, and social influence, and he serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

Table of Contents

PART I Introduction New Directions and Emerging Issues in Adult Attachment
CHAPTER 1. Attachment Theory: Basic Concepts and Contemporary Questions	3	(14)
W. STEVEN RHOLES and JEFFRY A. SIMPSON
PART II Attachment Processes across the Lifespan Continuity, Discontinuity, Change, and Measurement Issues
CHAPTER 2. What Do Self-Report Attachment Measures Assess?	17	(38)
PHILLIP R. SHAVER and MARIO MIKULINCER
CHAPTER 3. What Does It Mean to Be Attached?	55	(31)
CINDY HAZAN, NURIT GUR-YAISH, and MARY CAMPA
CHAPTER 4. A Dynamical Systems Approach to Conceptualizing and Studying Stability and Change in Attachment Security	86	(47)
R. CHRIS FRALEY and CLAUDIA CHLOE BRUMBAUGH
CHAPTER 5. Predictors of Change in Attachment Security during Adulthood	133	(26)
JOANNE DAVILA and REBECCA J. COBB
PART III Intrapersonal Aspects of Attachment Cognitive Organization, Structure, and Information Processing
CHAPTER 6. Security-Based Self-Representations in Adulthood: Contents and Processes	159	(37)
MARIO MIKULINCER and PHILLIP R. SHAVER
CHAPTER 7. Working Models of Attachment: New Developments and Emerging Themes	196	(44)
NANCY L. COLLINS, ANAMARIE C. GUICHARD, MAIRE B. FORD, and BROOKE C. FEENEY
CHAPTER 8. Psychobiological Perspectives on Attachment: Implications for Health over the Lifespan	240	(27)
LISA M. DIAMOND and ANGELA M. HICKS
PART IV Interpersonal Aspects of Attachment Intimacy, Conflict, Caregiving, and Satisfaction
CHAPTER 9. Conflict in Adult Close Relationships: An Attachment Perspective	267	(33)
PAULA R. PIETROMONACO, DARA GREENWOOD, and LISA FELDMAN BARRETT
CHAPTER 10. Interpersonal Safe Haven and Secure Base Caregiving Processes in Adulthood	300	(39)
BROOKE C. FEENEY and NANCY L. COLLINS
CHAPTER 11. Adult Attachment and Relationship Functioning under Stressful Conditions: Understanding Partners' Responses to Conflict and Challenge	339	(28)
JUDITH A. FEENEY
PART V Clinical and Applied Issues Therapy, Psychopathology, and Well-Being
CHAPTER 12. Attachment Theory: A Guide for Healing Couple Relationships	367	(21)
SUSAN M. JOHNSON
CHAPTER 13. Attachment-Related Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Implications for Adult Adaptation	388	(20)
ROGER KOBAK, JUDE CASSIDY, and YAIR ZIV
CHAPTER 14. Anxious Attachment and Depressive Symptoms: An Interpersonal Perspective	408	(30)
JEFFRY A. SIMPSON and W. STEVEN RHOLES
CHAPTER 15. Attachment Styles and Intrapersonal Adjustment: A Longitudinal Study from Adolescence into Young Adulthood	438	(29)
M. LYNNE COOPER, AUSTIN W. ALBINO, HOLLY K. ORCUTT, and NATALIE WILLIAMS
Index	467