Adult Attachment and Working Models of Emotion

Authors

Darlys J. Alford, University of Southern MississippiFollow
William J. Lyddon, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Roxanne Schreiber, University of Southern Mississippi

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2006

School

Psychology

Abstract

The Self-Confrontation Method (SCM; Hermans & Hermans-Jansen, 1995) was used to examine the relationship between emotional experience and attachment style in a college student sample (N = 143). Securely attached participants were found to be significantly higher in positive affective experiences while fearful participants reported significantly less positive affect. Secure and dismissing participants reported significantly more affect directed toward self-enhancement than fearful participants. Dismissing participants reported significantly less affect directed toward connectedness with others when compared to secure, preoccupied and fearful participants. The implications of these findings for attachment theory, the utility of the SCM as a research tool and counseling are discussed. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.

Publication Title

Counselling Psychology Quarterly

Volume

19

Issue

1

First Page

45

Last Page

56

Recommended Citation

Alford, D., Lyddon, W., Schreiber, R. (2006). Adult Attachment and Working Models of Emotion. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 19(1), 45-56.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/20889