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Despite evidence for the efficacy of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for depression, there remains little understanding of its specific change-promoting ingredients. This study aimed to establish candidate change mechanisms by identifying whether patients’ interpersonal (theory-specific) and cognitive (theory-nonspecific) characteristics change in an adaptive direction during IPT, and whether such changes differentially relate to depression reduction and improvement in global functioning. The four interpersonal variables and one cognitive variable measured all changed significantly in an adaptive direction, with medium to large effect sizes. Reduced interpersonal problems were marginally associated with self-reported depression reduction (β = 2.846, p = .062), and greater satisfaction with social support was marginally associated with depression reduction (β = -1.423, p = .081). Unexpectedly, reduced romantic relationship adjustment was related to depression reduction (β = 2.028, p = .008 for self-rated depression and β = 1.474, p = .022 for clinician-rated depression), and increased attachment avoidance was marginally related to better clinician-rated global functioning (β = 1.501, p = .09). Thus, theory-relevant interpersonal variables emerged as candidate change mechanisms, and the findings are discussed with respect to their research and practice implications.

This study examined the ability to “fake-good” on the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). Each of the 21 participants was administered the AAI and MMPI-2 under both “control” (non-faked) and “experimental” (instructed to fake-good) conditions. The scores received on the L and K validity scales of the MMPI-2 under the control versus the experimental conditions were compared to determine if the instructions that were intended to induce faking good in the experimental condition were successful. Significant differences were found between the experimental and control group on the MMPI-2 L and K scales suggesting that the instructions did induce faking good in the experimental condition. Once established, the scores received on the AAI idealization and coherence of mind scales during the control versus experimental condition were compared to determine if the experimental condition instructional set impacted (1) idealization positively, (2) coherence of mind negatively, and (3) overall attachment classification becoming more dismissing, as hypothesized. Significant differences were found between the experimental and control group on the AAI idealization scale and on the AAI coherence of mind scale. These results suggest that the individuals' idealization scores were significantly lower in the control versus experimental conditions while the individuals' overall coherence of mind scores were significantly higher in the control versus experimental conditions. Of the 12 who were found to be dismissing under the experimental condition, 4 had previously not been classified as dismissing when the standard AAI instructions were given. Even though the results were not indicative of a difference in attachment classification under the control versus experimental conditions, a trend was apparent. It appears that one attempting to fake good may appear more dismissing on the AAI than he/she really is. It is even more critical that this study be replicated using a larger sample size to determine if trying to make oneself look positively will impact overall attachment status.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine the suitability of using Bowlby'­s attachment theory as a lens to study intimate partner violence. Extant data from thirty couples self-reporting violence in their relationship, was used. Individual audiotaped interviews from a study unrelated to attachment were transcribed. Ten interviews (five couples) were selected for coding. Applying the modified analytic induction method, as outlined by Gilgun, the data fell into thematic categories that provided a foundation for a narrative about each dyadic system. Representative constructs such as internal working models, adult attachment, caregiving, automatic arousal and abandonment, emerged naturally from the data. The iterative nature of the methodology demanded continual refinement and refocusing. The participants'­ words painted the picture of violence in their relationship. Direct quotes authenticated the research and gave it an experiential aspect. Results demonstrated that attachment theory is an excellent lens through which to study intimate partner violence, suggesting it be embraced in future family systems research. / Master of Science

Although the overall quantity of international research has increased, existent studies tend to adopt an instrument developed in one culture to use in the other, leading to measurement bias. In addition, previous cross-cultural research mainly focuses on comparisons between collectivist and individualistic backgrounds (e.g., American vs. Chinese) without considering the similarities and differences within the collectivist societies (e.g., China vs. Mexico). This dissertation project has two purposes, with Study 1 aiming to examine measurement equivalence of two widely used instruments while Study 2 investigating if an attachment-based two-serial mediation model remained constant among three cross-cultural samples collected from the US, Mexico, and China. A total of 1211 participants, including 360 American university students, 441 Mexican students, and 410 Chinese students participated in the study. Differential item functioning (DIF) in lordif package in R and structural equation modeling (SEM) in Mplus 8.1 were adopted for Study 1 and 2, respectively. The results of Study 1 indicated the proposed instruments were culturally invariant in English, Spanish, and Chinese with some modifications. Study 2 showed that assertiveness/self-conscious emotions mediated the association between adult attachment and depression/aggression only in the US group. However, the two-serial mediation model in which the link between adult attachment and depression/aggression via assertiveness to self-conscious emotions was supported in Mexican and Chinese groups, not in the US group. Findings from these two cross-cultural adult attachment studies provide additional insights for future attachment research and useful implications for psychologists working with diverse individuals from the US, Mexico, and China.

Previous literature has identified links between psychopathic trait severity and disturbed styles of attachment on sexual outcomes in adulthood. However, few studies have investigated these domains within one design. Therefore, it is unclear how they may influence each other, given that an association between attachment styles and psychopathic traits has also been previously documented. This study sought to explore the possible role of psychopathic traits upon the association between attachment and sexual outcomes. Participants were sampled from an undergraduate student population at a large university. Data were analyzed using correlational and hierarchical regression analyses, as well as two exploratory path models. Analyses suggested that aspects of attachment and psychopathic trait severity were significantly associated with each other and differentially predicted certain sexual outcomes. Furthermore, results indicated that the effects of attachment avoidance on sexual outcomes were mediated by Factor 1 traits of psychopathy, while the effects of attachment anxiety were mediated by Factor 2 traits. Additionally, it was found that attachment style was linked with contempt, and this was further linked to disturbances in sexual outcomes, which is a novel finding. Implications of the findings, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

There is a growing body of research on psychopathic traits in non-clinical populations. This emerging research has documented the prevalence of psychopathic traits in the general population and demonstrated that psychopathy has a similar latent structure as well as similar correlates (e.g., violent behavior, alcohol abuse, and lower intelligence) to forensic/offender samples. Relatedly, there is strong evidence insecure attachment patterns in adulthood are associated with many personality disorders, including psychopathy, but only a few studies have examined the relationship between attachment and psychopathic traits in non-clinical samples (albeit, convenience samples of college students). Thus, two aims of the current study are to: 1) describe and explore the manifestation and expression of psychopathic traits in a large, community-based sample and 2) examine associations between adult attachment disturbances and psychopathic traits in diverse sociodemographic subgroups. Using a cross-sectional design, results showed mean-level psychopathy factor score differences existed only when considering single sociodemographic factors (e.g., age), not an interaction of those factors. Psychopathy factor profiles were also consistent across groups, with higher levels of lifestyle followed by interpersonal, affective, and antisocial traits reported. Regarding the second aim, findings indicated support for the positive association between disturbed attachment patterns in adult relationships and psychopathic traits, although these associations differed in males and females of different age groups. Finally, there was some support for attachment processes acting as a social development pathway toward psychopathy, as insecure attachments in adulthood partially mediated the relationships between age and interpersonal, affective, and lifestyle traits of psychopathy.

International students face a variety of challenges in their acculturation process. The acculturation process is a highly variable process that is influenced by the mediating and moderating effects of individual factors that exist prior to, or arise during, acculturation (Berry, 1997). Among the moderating personal factors existing prior to acculturation, adult attachment has received heightened attention as an important variable impacting the acculturation process and adaptation outcomes. Wang and Mallinckrodt (2006a) suggested that successful adaptation involves exploration of unfamiliar social situations that resemble the infants’ exploration of their physical surroundings. The acculturation process can be challenging and stressful because individuals going through this process often encounter disparities in various situations. Similar to infants, whose attachment system tends to be activated particularly in a distressing situation, threatening events or situations in one’s adult life also activate the attachment behavioral system of seeking proximity to attachment figures for security and support. Limited research has investigated the relationship between adult attachment and the acculturation processes (e.g., Brisset, Safdar, Lewis, & Sabatier, 2010; Sochos & Diniz, 2011). Previous research has highlighted a link between adult attachment (e.g., attachment styles and attachment security) and psychological adaptation. However, the relationship between adult attachment and international students’ other acculturation outcomes (e.g., sociocultural adaptation) remains unclear in the existing literature due to inconsistent previous findings. The current study addressed the gaps in the literature by focusing on international students’ acculturation processes and examined how adult attachment contributes to, or influences, their adaptation. Data was collected from 228 international students that are enrolled in higher education institutions in different geographic locations in the United States. Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted for data analysis. The results suggest that attachment anxiety was a significant predictor of international students’ psychological adaptation. Attachment avoidance significantly moderated the effect of acculturation to the U.S. culture on international students’ psychological distress, while attachment anxiety was a marginally significant moderator for the effect of acculturation to the U.S. culture on sociocultural adaptation. Attachment avoidance also moderated the effects of physical assault and behavioral discrimination on international students’ self-esteem. Study limitations and future directions are discussed.

This thesis examines the role of self-acceptance in romantic relationships and the relationship between self-acceptance and individuals' adulthood attachment style. The theoretical part describes self-acceptance mainly in context of Person Centered Approach (PCA) and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), investigates methods of measuring self-acceptance, and puts it in relation to self-esteem, self- compassion, mindfulness, well-being and psychological health. Romantic relationships, adult attachment and their link to self-acceptance are also described. The empirical quantitative research was conducted on a sample of 155 respondents using Czech translation of the Unconditional Positive Self-Regard Scale (UPSRS), the Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (USAQ) and Experience in Close Relationships - Relationship Structures (ECR-RS). The results show negative correlation of attachment Anxiety and partial negative correlation of attachment Avoidance and self-acceptance. Significantly higher scores of self-acceptance were found in individuals with a secure adult attachment style than in those with fearful and preoccupied adult attachment style. Based on empirical findings the similarity of self-acceptance and model of the self in adult attachment was proposed and self-acceptance was...

The present study investigated the role of anxiety and avoidance dimensions of attachment and big five personality traits in adaptive and maladaptive dimensions of perfectionism. A pilot study was carried out with 408 (260 males and 148 females) preparatory school students of Middle East Technical University (METU) for the adaptation studies of Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R). The results of the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded a 21 item scale with three factors / Standards, Discrepancy and Order. The results of convergent and divergent and criterion-related validity studies revealed evidence for the adaptive and maladaptive dimensions of perfectionism. As for the main purpose of the study, three questionnaires, namely APS-R, Relationship Scales Questionnaire and Big Five Inventory were administered to 604 (377 males and 227 females) preparatory school students of METU. The results of three multiple regression analysis revealed that adaptive perfectionism as measured by Standards scores was significantly predicted by Conscientiousness, Openness and Extraversion. Maladaptive perfectionism as measured by Discrepancy scores was predicted by Neuroticism, Anxiety and Avoidance dimensions of attachment. Order scores used as an additional analysis were found to be predicted by Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, Extraversion and Openness.