Adult Attachment and the Perception of Interpersonal Dynamics
Open Access
- Author:
- Hieber, Maggie
- Area of Honors:
- Psychology
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Aaron Lee Pincus, Thesis Supervisor
Kenneth N. Levy, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Attachment theory
Contemporary Integrative Interpersonal Theory
Continuous Assessment of Interpersonal Dynamics
Interpersonal perception - Abstract:
- This thesis investigates the influence of individual attachment styles on the perception of interpersonal behavior via Contemporary Integrative Interpersonal Theory framework. The research extends existing attachment studies by employing Continuous Assessment of Interpersonal Dynamics (CAID) methodology, generalizing attachment to unknown targets, and analyzing perceptions as a third-party viewer. Two hypotheses were formulated regarding communion perception in anxiously and avoidantly attached individuals, alongside a third hypothesis addressing covariation perception between dominance and warmth and an exploratory goal regarding agency perception in those anxiously and avoidantly attached. Data were collected from undergraduate students (N = 188) through the Experiences in Close Relationship-Short Form (ECR-Short Form) questionnaire and CAID coding training sessions. Results from linear regression analyses did not support the hypotheses, indicating a lack of significant relationship between attachment style and perception of communion, agency, or covariation. The findings suggest that attachment framework may not be pertinent when individuals perceive interactions as third-party observers or lack a personal relationship with the targets. This study highlights the nuanced role of attachment in shaping interpersonal perceptions and the importance of considering contextual factors in understanding attachment dynamics.