Attachment theory explains the major role of relationships from infancy to old age. Starting from infancy to throughout the life cycle, a person’s mental health is closely tied to the relationship with attachment individuals who provide emotional support and protection (Worth, 2004). Attachment style which begins in infancy is believed to be continuous and it directs how one relates with other people (Cohen et al., 2016). It begins with the mother-child attachment and from there continues to develop in other different ways throughout the life cycle. Other attachment behaviors include relationships with friends and spouses (Benoit, 2004).
The relationship between adult attachment and interpersonal problems is very significant but appears to differ in effect size. Research shows that there is a strong association between attachment anxiety and interpersonal problems as compared to interpersonal problems and attachment avoidance. However, a study done by Sable, there were smaller differences between the two patterns of adult attachments (Sable, 2004). Despite the fact that the variations between the two dimensions of adult attachment are small, research study shows that the association between attachment avoidance and interpersonal distress is higher as compared t that of attachment anxiety and interpersonal distress (house & Welch, 2008)
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Houser was able to identify specific correlations between adult attachments and interpersonal distress (Houser & Welch, 2008). This was assessed by using self ratings and rating of close friends to the subject. Results from this research showed a submission behavior in individuals who are fearfully attached and expressive conduct in preoccupied attached individuals. Individuals in the dismissing group portrayed more interpersonal distress and were found in hostile areas whereas securely attached subjects were located in friendly environments. The securely attached observed to have low levels of interpersonal problems.
From research, children raised up in orphanages portray lack of intimate relationships and are adequately and fully developed both mentally and emotionally. They are vulnerable to mental distress and anxiety disorders (Guinaugh, 1997). From the same research, it was observed that there is a significant difference in intelligence levels between children who have been brought up in children orphanages and the ones adopted when around four months old. This shows the vital role played by attachment during childhood development. According to Bowlby’s theory, as a result of progressive interaction a child internal works models that involve views, beliefs and expectations about an intimate person whether he/she is a caring person and whether the self worth deserves care and focus (Gillath et al., 2016). These models are then dragged into their new associations where they influence behavior and relationships. Therefore, early relationships influence and guide adult relationships.
Apart from the parent being the major attachment individual to an adolescent, close age mates have come in also to satisfy certain attachment needs during this stage of human development. Their attachment figures were studied about the four elements of attachment. Almost all the participants that were investigated preferred being around their peers and spending most of their time with them over being with their parents. Furthermore, a majority of those between the age of 8 and 14 years chose to get comfort and emotional support from their age mates. However, the parents were still considered as the major source of separation problems and security foundation (Erber & Erber, 2000). Towards the end of adolescence and the onset of young adulthood, there is a change in the attachment pattern with romantic partners being the required attachment figures at this point. The peers and parents become less sought after attachment figures.
Adult attachment can be assessed by two major ways. These ways assess feelings and thoughts of the individual towards their romantic partners. These dimensions are avoidance of intimacy and abandonment anxiety (Cassidy, 2000). Individuals who are avoidantly attached do not develop trust towards their partners. They are not comfortable being intimate. On the other hand, people who are anxiously attached are always worried about being abandoned by their partners (Cassidy, 2000). From this research therefore, romantic partners, peers and parents/guardians are vital attachment subjects at certain stages of human development.
From research and studies, attachment pattern and systems grown up individuals are largely similar to those of infants. They share a major goal which is a feeling and sense of security. From the two studies discussed in this paper, there is indication and evidence of association between interpersonal problems/distress, and both attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety.
Findings from these researches on adult attachment have contributed to the field of positive psychology in helping address issues that arise as a result of attachment. They have enhanced and contributed in helping understand human behavior and its relationship/ association with interpersonal relations. This in turn has become helpful in amending of psychotherapy manuals and guidelines in order to help improve outcomes. However, from my point of view, there is still need for more studies to be conducted in studying and understanding the relationship between adult attachment and interpersonal distress in adults.
References
Benoit, D. (2004). Infant-parent attachment: Definition, types, antecedents, measurement and outcome. Paediatrics & child health , 9 (8), 541-545.
Cassidy, J. (2000). Adult romantic attachments: A developmental perspective on individual differences. Review of General Psychology, 4 (2), 111-131. doi:10.1037/1089-2680.4.2.111
Erber, R., & Erber, M. W. (2000). Intimate relationships: Issues, theories, and research . Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Gillath, O., Karantzas, G. C., & Fraley, R. C. (2016). What Are Attachment Working Models? Adult Attachment, 77-101. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-420020-3.00004-9
Guinaugh, L. (1997). The long shadow effects of parental divorce in childhood on adult attachments . Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Houser, M., & Welch, R. D. (2008). Extending the Four Category Model of Adult Attachment: Social Factors in Friendship Attachments. PsycEXTRA Dataset . doi:10.1037/e626972012-144
Lopez, F. G. (2012). Adult Attachment Security: The Relational Scaffolding of Positive Psychology. Oxford Handbooks Online . doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195187243.013.0038
Sable, P. (2004). Attachment and adult psychotherapy . Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Pub.
Worth, P. (n.d.). Critical positive psychology. The Routledge International Handbook of Critical Positive Psychology, 3-10. doi:10.4324/9781315659794-2
