DOCSLIB.ORG

Attachment and Conflict in Close Relationships

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Attachment and Conflict in Close Relationships Copyright is owned by the Author of the thesis. Permission is given for a copy to be downloaded by an individual for the purpose of research and private study only. The thesis may not be reproduced elsewhere without the permission of the Author. Attachment and Conflict in Close Relationships: The association of attachment with conflict resolution styles, conflict beliefs, communication accuracy and relationship satisfaction A thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand. Karin du Plessis 2006 Abstract The present research aims to obtain a more complete view of couple relationships. In particular, it investigated the manner in which attachment styles (and more specifically the combination of attachment styles to one’s partner and one’s primary caregiver, such as the mother) are related to conflict beliefs, conflict resolution styles, relationship satisfaction and communication accuracy. Two studies were conducted to explore these relationships. In Study 1 individuals in couples relationships (N = 83) were asked to participate in an online questionnaire regarding primary caregiver and partner attachment, conflict resolution, and conflict beliefs. Study 2 saw the recruitment of twenty-two couples from public advertisements. Couples were asked to participate in a ten minute videotaped discussion around a major disagreement. The discussion exercise and accompanying self-report questionnaires indicated each couple’s communication accuracy. Trained post-graduate raters also coded the observable conflict styles of the couples on a scale developed for the purpose of this research. These were compared with self-reported conflict resolution styles. Couples were also asked to complete questionnaires individually to identify their parent and partner attachment styles, relationship satisfaction, conflict resolution styles and conflict beliefs. Qualitative questions around attachment and conflict resolution provided a more in-depth perspective of more and less securely attached individuals’ relationships. Results from both studies indicated that there is some difference between ongoing influence from current models of primary caregiver attachment and the influence from current models of partner attachment on relationship variables. Relationship satisfaction and conflict beliefs were influenced by specific attachment to the partner. Conversely, conflict resolution styles, in particular positive problem solving, withdrawal and compliance, were heavily influenced by more general current conceptualizations of primary caregiver attachment. Additional results regarding quantitative and qualitative findings, including gender differences are discussed in the thesis. Finally, limitations regarding both studies are noted, and suggestions for future research are made. i Acknowledgements I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who assisted me to make this thesis and my doctoral studies a reality. My principal acknowledgement is to my supervisors, Dr. Dave Clarke and Ms. Cheryl Woolley, for without their guidance, advice and encouragement this task would have been insurmountable. Their ‘can do’ attitude motivated me to stay the course, and really meant a lot to me. In addition the collegial and student support at the School of Psychology at Massey University enriched my doctoral experience tremendously, and a special word of thanks goes to my colleagues and fellow doctoral students. Numerous students and fellow conference attendees have also influenced and contributed to my thought processes and enhanced my doctoral experience, and I would like to thank them also. This thesis could not have been written without the many participants who gave their time and effort to complete the questionnaires and participate in the project, and I am particularly grateful for their contributions. Ethical approval for this research project was obtained through the Massey University Human Ethics Committee. It should also be noted that my studies would not have been possible without the generous Massey University Doctoral Scholarship I received in 2003. A special tribute goes out to Damian, my family and friends for the love, support and feedback that they gave me during my doctoral studies - your ongoing ‘behind the scenes’ support and love motivated me to complete this project in a timely manner. Finally, acknowledgement should be given to all the researchers and clinicians worldwide who continue to work in this very important field of close relationships. Through your scientific findings greater understanding of intimate relationships are achieved and through application changes are affected where it matters most – at the heart of close relationships. ii Table of Contents Abstract .............................................................................................................. i Acknowledgements ........................................................................................... ii List of Figures ................................................................................................. xii List of Tables ................................................................................................... xii Introduction: Attachment and Conflict in Couples ........................................... 1 PART I .............................................................................................................. 4 Chapter 1: The Nature of Relationships ............................................................ 4 Chapter 2: Relationship Satisfaction - Happy and Unhappy Couples ............ 12 The Trajectory of Relationship Satisfaction .................................................... 12 Relationship Satisfaction: Contributing Factors ............................................. 14 1) Time spent together. .................................................................................... 15 2) Problem solving and affection. ................................................................... 16 3) Sexual satisfaction. ..................................................................................... 16 4) Coping with stress. ...................................................................................... 17 5) Work-family balance and domestic labour. ................................................ 18 6) Helpfulness and support. ............................................................................. 19 7) Communication. .......................................................................................... 19 8) Cognitive attributions. ................................................................................. 21 Asymmetric Relationship Satisfaction ............................................................ 23 Dissolution ...................................................................................................... 24 Relationship Satisfaction Summary ................................................................ 26 Chapter 3: Attachment .................................................................................... 28 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 28 Adult Attachment ............................................................................................ 30 Attachment in the Dyadic Context .................................................................. 37 Summary of Attachment Literature ................................................................. 43 Chapter 4: Communication ............................................................................. 45 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 45 Communication and Attachment ..................................................................... 46 Communication and the Individual ................................................................. 47 Couple Communication and Communication Accuracy ................................. 48 Summary of Communication Literature ......................................................... 54 Chapter 5: Conflict Resolution ........................................................................ 56 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 56 Couples in Conflict .......................................................................................... 56 Conflict Resolution in Couples ....................................................................... 62 Summary of conflict resolution in couples ..................................................... 67 Physical Violence ............................................................................................ 67 Summary of domestic violence. ...................................................................... 70 Conflict Resolution and Attachment ............................................................... 71 iii Summary of conflict resolution and attachment. ............................................ 76 Conflict Resolution and Communication ........................................................ 77 Summary of conflict resolution and communication. ..................................... 80 Chapter 6: Gender Differences ........................................................................ 81 Introduction ....................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Redalyc. Attachment Style and Adjustment to Divorce
    Scientific Information System Network of Scientific Journals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal Sagrario Yárnoz-Yaben Attachment Style and Adjustment to Divorce The Spanish Journal of Psychology, vol. 13, núm. 1, mayo, 2010, pp. 210-219, Universidad Complutense de Madrid España Available in: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=17213039016 The Spanish Journal of Psychology, ISSN (Printed Version): 1138-7416 [email protected] Universidad Complutense de Madrid España How to cite Complete issue More information about this article Journal's homepage www.redalyc.org Non-Profit Academic Project, developed under the Open Acces Initiative The Spanish Journal of Psychology Copyright 2010 by The Spanish Journal of Psychology 2010, Vol. 13 No. 1, 210-219 ISSN 1138-7416 Attachment Style and Adjustment to Divorce Sagrario Yárnoz-Yaben Universidad del País Vasco (Spain) Divorce is becoming increasingly widespread in Europe. In this study, I present an analysis of the role played by attachment style (secure, dismissing, preoccupied and fearful, plus the dimensions of anxiety and avoidance) in the adaptation to divorce. Participants comprised divorced parents (N = 40) from a medium- sized city in the Basque Country. The results reveal a lower proportion of people with secure attachment in the sample group of divorcees. Attachment style and dependence (emotional and instrumental) are closely related. I have also found associations between measures that showed a poor adjustment to divorce and the preoccupied and fearful attachment styles. Adjustment is related to a dismissing attachment style and to the avoidance dimension. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that secure attachment and the avoidance dimension predict adjustment to divorce and positive affectivity while preoccupied attachment and the anxiety dimension predicted negative affectivity.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Attachment Processes in Adult Romantic Relationships Paula R
    ATTACHMENT IN ADULT RELATIONSHIPS 1 Attachment Processes in Adult Romantic Relationships Paula R. Pietromonaco and Lindsey A. Beck University of Massachusetts, Amherst CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Paula R. Pietromonaco Department of Psychology 135 Hicks Way, Tobin Hall University of Massachusetts, Amherst Amherst, MA 01003 Phone: 413-545-3156 Email: [email protected] AUTHOR NOTE Preparation of this chapter was facilitated by a grant from the National Cancer Institute (R01 CA133908) to Paula Pietromonaco. Chapter to appear in J. A. Simpson & J. Dovidio (Eds.) Handbook of interpersonal relations and group processes.Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. ATTACHMENT IN ADULT RELATIONSHIPS 2 Abstract This chapter begins with an overview of attachment theory, including the main tenets of Bowlby’s original theory as well as later extensions to adult romantic relationships. It provides an updated theoretical statement that incorporates Bowlby’s original theory and Hazan and Shaver’s (1987) provocative extension to adult romantic relationships as well as additional theoretical revisions from over two decades of theoretical development and empirical findings. We review and evaluate research following from attachment theory that has demonstrated that attachment shapes (a) how people experience and regulate emotion, (b) how they think about their romantic relationships, (c) their motives and goals in those relationships, (d) how they behave and interact with their partners (e.g., how they provide and seek support), and (e) how they initiate and maintain relationships and respond to relationship dissolution or loss. Finally, we discuss several emerging themes and promising directions for future research, including expanding on a person-in-context approach to attachment processes, investigating how partners may promote change or stability in each other’s attachment representations, exploring interactions between attachment and temperament or personality, and examining the implications of attachment for both partners’ health-related processes and outcomes.
    [Show full text]
  • Attachment, Locus of Control, and Romantic Intimacy in Adult
    ATTACHMENT, LOCUS OF CONTROL, AND ROMANTIC INTIMACY IN ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS: A CORRELATIONAL INVESTIGATION by Raffaela Peter A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of The College of Education in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, Florida December 2012 Copyright Raffaela Peter 2012 ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank my family members and friends for their continuous support and understanding during this process of self-exploration which oftentimes called for sacrifices on their part. Not to be forgotten is the presence of a very special family member, Mr. Kitty, who silently and patiently witnessed all colors and shapes of my affective rainbow. Val Santiago Stanley has shown nothing but pure, altruistic friendship for which I will be forever grateful. The appreciation is extended to Val’s Goddesses Club and its members who passionately give to others in the community. Many thanks go out to Jackie and Julianne who, with true owl spirit and equipped with appropriate memorabilia, lent an open ear and heart at all times. Thank you to my committee who provided me with guidance and knowledge throughout my journey at Florida Atlantic University. Most of them I have known for nearly a decade, a timeframe that has allowed me to grow as an individual and professional. To Dr. Paul Ryan Peluso, my mentor and fellow Avenger, thank you for believing in me and allowing me to “act as if”; your metaphors helped me more than you will ever know. You are a great therapist and educator, and I admire your dedication to the profession.
    [Show full text]
  • Attachment Style, Perceived Life Events, and Psychological Well- Being in Adults Coping with Bipolar Disorder: a Longitudinal Study
    ATTACHMENT STYLE, PERCEIVED LIFE EVENTS, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL- BEING IN ADULTS COPING WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY Sarah Greenberg A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS August 2014 Committee: Catherine Stein, Chair Robert Carels Michael Zickar © 2014 Sarah Greenberg All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Catherine Stein, Advisor Evidence suggests the importance of healthy social relationships for adults coping with severe mental illness. Secure adult attachment has been linked with strong supportive relationships, yet it is estimated that approximately 11% to 22% of adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder are classified as having a secure attachment style. In comparison, approximately 60 to 80% of adults without psychiatric illness are classified as having a secure attachment style. Using a sample of 161 adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the present study examined the role of romantic attachment style and stressful life events in describing adults’ reports of mood symptoms and psychosocial functioning. Based on adults’ responses to self-report measures, results suggest that adults who reported more stressful life events or an insecure attachment style endorsed more symptoms of depression and worse psychosocial functioning. Conversely, individuals classified as securely attached generally report less depression and better psychosocial functioning than adults with insecure attachment styles. Implications of findings for working with adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder are discussed. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I have been privileged to have the support of many individuals throughout this research. Without them, this research would not have been possible. First and foremost, thank you to my advisor, Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Odor, Adult Attachment and Emotions in Romantic Relationships
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by D-Scholarship@Pitt ODOR, ADULT ATTACHMENT AND EMOTIONS IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS by Sybil Anne Streeter Bachelor of Philosophy, University Honors College, University of Pittsburgh, 1999 Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Arts and Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy University of Pittsburgh 2008 UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES This dissertation was presented by Sybil Anne Streeter It was defended on August 21, 2008 and approved by Kay Jennings, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology Karen L. Schmidt, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry Elizabeth Votruba-Drzal, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology Dissertation Advisor: Donald H. McBurney, Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology ii Copyright © by Sybil Anne Streeter 2008 iii ODOR, ADULT ATTACHMENT AND EMOTIONS IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS Sybil Anne Streeter, PhD University of Pittsburgh, 2008 This study explored the reasons why people commonly smell the clothing of loved ones. Romantic partners’ scents were compared with (1) that of an unknown other person (placebo) or (2) a neutral odor (control) to examine their effect on anxiety, negative affect and feelings of comfort. Adult attachment was also measured dimensionally with the Bartholomew and Horowitz (1991) Relationship Questionnaire (RQ). All participants rated themselves on each attachment dimension (Secure, Fearful, Preoccupied and Dismissing). Participants presented with the scent of their partner experienced significant increases in comfort when compared to both placebo and control odor, and decreased anxiety and negative affect when compared to neutral odor. Scent of partners and unknown persons were equivalent in their ability to decrease the aversive emotions.
    [Show full text]
  • Marriage in the 21St Century: from a State of Confusion to a State of Being Gemma Margaret Anne Barriteau
    Duquesne University Duquesne Scholarship Collection Electronic Theses and Dissertations Summer 1-1-2016 Marriage in the 21st Century: From a State of Confusion to a State of Being Gemma Margaret Anne Barriteau Follow this and additional works at: https://dsc.duq.edu/etd Recommended Citation Barriteau, G. (2016). Marriage in the 21st Century: From a State of Confusion to a State of Being (Doctoral dissertation, Duquesne University). Retrieved from https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/88 This One-year Embargo is brought to you for free and open access by Duquesne Scholarship Collection. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Duquesne Scholarship Collection. For more information, please contact [email protected]. LIVED EXPERIENCES OF MARRIAGE IN THE 21ST CENTURY: FROM A STATE OF CONFUSION TO A STATE OF BEING A Dissertation Submitted to the School of Education Duquesne University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy By Gemma M. Barriteau August 2016 Copyright by Gemma M. Barriteau 2016 DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Department of Counseling, Psychology and Special Education Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Executive Counselor Education and Supervision Program Presented by: Gemma M. Barriteau B.A., Deviant Behavior & Social Control M.S.Ed., Community Mental Health Counseling August 2016 LIVED EXPERIENCES OF MARRIAGE IN THE 21ST CENTURY: FROM A STATE OF CONFUSION TO A STATE OF BEING Approved by: _____________________________________________, Chair Lisa Lopez Levers, Ph.D. Professor of Counselor Education Department of Counseling, Psychology, and Special Education School of Education Duquesne University ___________________________________________, Member James E.
    [Show full text]
  • Attachment Theory and Personality P. 1
    Attachment Theory and Personality p. 1 Attachment Theory and Its Place in Contemporary Personality Theory and Research R. Chris Fraley University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Phillip R. Shaver University of California, Davis In press in O. P. John & R. W. Robins (Eds.), Handbook of Personality: Theory and Research (3rd Edition). New York: Guilford Press. Attachment Theory and Personality p. 2 Attachment Theory and Its Place in Contemporary Personality Theory and Research While working in a home for maladjusted and delinquent boys in the 1930’s, John Bowlby was struck by the boys’ difficulty in forming close emotional bonds with others. After studying the family histories of the children, he learned that a disproportionate number of the boys had experienced severe disruptions in their early home lives. His observations led him to conclude that early parent-child relationships serve an important organizing role in human development and that disruptions in these relationships can have profound consequences on behavior, not only in the short term, but in the long term as well (Bowlby, 1944). To better understand the significance of early relationships and how those relationships shape human development, Bowlby turned to a variety of literatures, including those pertaining to psychodynamic theory (Freud, 1933/1965, 1940), the emerging ethological models of the 1950’s and 1960’s (e.g., Hinde, 1966), cognitive developmental psychology (e.g., Piaget, 1953), and the principles of control systems (e.g., Craik, 1943; Young, 1964). Over the next few decades he integrated ideas from each of these domains to forge a theoretical perspective now known as attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969/1982, 1979, 1973, 1980).
    [Show full text]
  • The Impact of Attachment and Intimacy on Initiator Breakup Strategies
    Interpersona | An International Journal on Personal Relationships interpersona.psychopen.eu | 1981-6472 Articles Communication Modes During Romantic Dissolution: The Impact of Attachment and Intimacy on Initiator Breakup Strategies William Hoffman* a [a] Department of Communication Studies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA. Abstract A majority of romantic pair-bonds will not remain together. Surprisingly, however, less is known about relationship dissolution compared with other stages of romantic relationships, such as initiation and maintenance. The present study addresses this gap by investigating breakup initiators’ communication strategies as outcomes for the individual’s attachment style and the emotional intimacy of a recent terminated romantic relationship. Participants (N = 174) completed a series of empirically reliable and valid Likert-scale measures to assess both predictors: (a) adult attachment and (b) emotional intimacy. Emotional intimacy was a significant predictor of each of the four breakup communication strategies, and adult attachment style – particularly attachment anxiety - was significantly related to specific communication strategies, primarily those related to openness. This researcher concluded that emotional intimacy better predictors of breakup communication strategy compared with attachment style. Limitations and a general discussion or summary of findings are provided, followed by some suggestions for future research. Keywords: breakup communication, romantic dissolution, adult attachment, emotional
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding and Quantifying the Roles of Perceived Social
    UNDERSTANDING AND QUANTIFYING THE ROLES OF PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT, PET ATTACHMENT, AND ADULT ATTACHMENT IN ADULT PET OWNERS’ SENSE OF WELL-BEING By STEPHANIE CECILE LANGSTON A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY Department of Educational Leadership, Sport Studies, & Educational/Counseling Psychology AUGUST 2014 © Copyright by STEPHANIE LANGSTON, 2014 All Rights Reserved © Copyright by STEPHANIE LANGSTON, 2014 All Rights Reserved To the Faculty of Washington State University The members of the Committee appointed to examine the dissertation of STEPHANIE LANGSTON find it satisfactory and recommend that it be accepted. ______________________________ Phyllis Erdman, Ph.D., Chair ______________________________ Laurie "Lali" McCubbin, Ph.D. ______________________________ Sarah Ullrich-French, Ph.D. ______________________________ Kathleen “Kathy" Ruby, Ph.D. ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS My progress and accomplishments throughout my graduate career would not have been possible without the commitment and support of several noteworthy individuals. I would like to thank my advisors and mentors, Dr. Phyllis Erdman and Dr. Laurie “Lali” McCubbin, for guiding and supporting me through this process, both personally and professionally. I also want to extend my gratitude and respect to Dr. Sarah Ullrich-French and Dr. Kathy Ruby for their invaluable knowledge and enthusiasm for this project. I have been graced by the love, support, and power that come with being part of a phenomenal family unit. I want to thank my mother and father for instilling in me a passion for learning and education, and for their willingness to nurture a menagerie of pets throughout childhood. I am also grateful to my sister and her partner.
    [Show full text]
  • The Relationship Between Adult Attachment Orientation and Mindfulness: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Mindfulness DOI 10.1007/s12671-017-0733-y REVIEW The Relationship Between Adult Attachment Orientation and Mindfulness: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Jodie C. Stevenson1 & Lisa-Marie Emerson1 & Abigail Millings1 # The Author(s) 2017. This article is an open access publication Abstract Mindfulness can be measured as an individual trait, research include the need to utilize longitudinal design to ad- which varies between individuals. In recent years, research dress causality and mechanisms of the relationship between has investigated the overlap between trait mindfulness and these constructs. attachment. The aim of the present review and meta-analysis was to investigate the current evidence linking adult attach- ment dimensions to trait mindfulness dimensions, and to Keywords Attachment . Adult attachment . Attachment quantitatively synthesize these findings using meta-analyses. anxiety . Attachment avoidance . Meta-analysis . A systematic literature search was conducted using five scien- Mindfulness . Systematic review tific databases of which, upon review, 33 articles met inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed journals and dissertations published in English that relied on quantitative Mindfulness is defined as the self-regulation of attention and methods using reliable and validated self-report measures the non-evaluative acceptance of one’s immediate experiences where study participants were aged 16 years and older. (Kabat-Zinn 1994); it can also provide a greater sense of com- Random-effects model meta-analytic
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Attachment in the Use of Positive Emotion
    THE ROLE OF ATTACHMENT IN THE USE OF POSITIVE EMOTION REGULATION AFTER STRESS BY HANNAH ELIZABETH STROUP A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF ARTS Psychology August, 2015 Winston-Salem, North Carolina Approved By: Christian E. Waugh, Ph.D., Advisor Terry D. Blumenthal, Ph.D., Chair Janet Boseovski, Ph.D. Lara K. Kammrath, Ph.D. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank my advisor, Christian Waugh, who has been the best mentor I could ask for, exceedingly patient with me throughout this whole process, for sharing his passion for research, and teaching me so much during these two years. I am coming away from this experience loving research even more than I did coming into this program. Thank you to my committee for helping me throughout this process and being flexible. I would also like to thank Michelle Horhota because without her support and mentorship throughout my undergraduate years at Furman and to this day, I would not have found my love for research and psychology. Thank you to my parents, siblings, and friends who have supported, helped me in so many ways, and given me advice during my time at Wake Forest and in all other aspects of life. And finally, thank you to Albie Hunter Stroup, who has helped me get through this process by being my emotion regulation puppy. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES AND APPENDICES ......................................................................... iv ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Relationship Between Adult Attachment Styles, Hostile Attribution Bias and Aggression
    LY, TAM M., M.A. The Relationship Between Adult Attachment Styles, Hostile Attribution Bias and Aggression. (2010) Directed by Dr. Jacquelyn White. 60 pp. The goal of this study was to provide a theoretical framework for integrating attachment style and hostile attribution concepts into a viable model that may help explain the use of aggression in intimate relationships. A review of the current literature was conducted along with a correlational study to test associations between the constructs. The first hypothesis posits that high attachment anxiety and low attachment avoidance would be significantly related to higher levels of aggression. The second hypothesis predicts that the relationship between attachment and aggression would be moderated by the level of hostile attribution bias. Regression analyses were performed to test for both of these hypotheses. Neither hypothesis was supported by the data. Possible explanations for the outcomes were discussed along with methods used in measuring hostile attribution bias in intimate partner contexts. Limitations and future directions are discussed. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADULT ATTACHMENT STYLES, HOSTILE ATTRIBUTION BIAS AND AGGRESSION by Tam Ly A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of The Graduate School at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Arts Greensboro 2010 Approved By _____________________ Committee Chair APPROVAL PAGE This thesis has been approved by the following committee of the Faculty of The Graduate School of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Committee Chair ____________________________________ Committee Members ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ___________________________ Date of Acceptance by Committee ___________________________ Date of Final Oral Examination ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]