A large body of research exists relative to male aggression. Studies over the past 30 years, especially as related to male-to-female intimacy violence in a domestic context, have contributed greatly to a better understanding of aggressive male behavior. However, it is suggested that a more balanced approach to research on aggression should include studies related to female aggression. A search of the current literature indicates that this process has begun; however, studies tend to report a different dynamic at work in aggressive women versus aggressive men. It appears that overall, female aggression more than male aggression, has a stronger relational component. It is the case that females can be aggressive and place substantial importance on the relationships in their lives. Attachment theory addresses the salient issue of relationships and is such a broad and complete theory that it incorporates aggressive behaviors as well. Therefore, this study seeks to expand the research related to attachment styles and associated behaviors, in particular as they pertain to the influences upon female aggressive behavior. A study of the relationship between the independent variables of gender, psychopathology/personality, and attachment style and the dependent variable of aggression was conducted. It was hypothesized that attachment style would be a better predictor of female aggression as compared to psychopathology. Additionally, it was hypothesized that psychopathology would be a better predictor of male aggression as compared to attachment style. Significant results were obtained suggesting that attachment is a better predictor of female aggression than psychopathology, with a non-significant observation indicating the reverse being true of males. Specific gender differences related to aggression and violent behavior are presented. Current trends applicable to theories of aggression are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research.

A large body of research exists relative to male aggression. Studies over the past 30 years, especially as related to male-to-female intimacy violence in a domestic context, have contributed greatly to a better understanding of aggressive male behavior. However, it is suggested that a more balanced approach to research on aggression should include studies related to female aggression. A search of the current literature indicates that this process has begun; however, studies tend to report a different dynamic at work in aggressive women versus aggressive men. It appears that overall, female aggression more than male aggression, has a stronger relational component. It is the case that females can be aggressive and place substantial importance on the relationships in their lives. Attachment theory addresses the salient issue of relationships and is such a broad and complete theory that it incorporates aggressive behaviors as well. Therefore, this study seeks to expand the research related to attachment styles and associated behaviors, in particular as they pertain to the influences upon female aggressive behavior. A study of the relationship between the independent variables of gender, psychopathology/personality, and attachment style and the dependent variable of aggression was conducted. It was hypothesized that attachment style would be a better predictor of female aggression as compared to psychopathology. Additionally, it was hypothesized that psychopathology would be a better predictor of male aggression as compared to attachment style. Significant results were obtained suggesting that attachment is a better predictor of female aggression than psychopathology, with a non-significant observation indicating the reverse being true of males. Specific gender differences related to aggression and violent behavior are presented. Current trends applicable to theories of aggression are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research.

This thesis has been prepared in paper based format. The thesis focusses of the use of experimental manipulations in the investigation of paranoia and extends the use of these to an empirical investigation of the role of attachment theory in paranoia. Papers 1 and 2 have been prepared for submission to Clinical Psychology Review and Schizophrenia Bulletin respectively. Paper 1 provides a comprehensive overview of experimental paradigms that aim to induce or manipulate paranoid thinking in both clinical and analogue samples. Twenty-seven studies were identified that satisfied inclusion criteria for the review. The strengths, limitations, effectiveness of individual paradigms, as well as of the literature as a whole, are considered throughout the review and recommendations for future research are made. Theoretical and clinical implications are also discussed.Paper 2 reports an experimental analogue in which participants (N=60) were randomised to a secure attachment prime (or neutral/positive affect control) condition before being exposed to a paranoia induction paradigm. Dispositional levels of insecure attachment were associated with both trait and state paranoid thinking. Contrary to predictions, the secure attachment prime did not appear to buffer paranoid thinking. The secure attachment prime was indicated to have a negative impact for people with high levels of attachment anxiety, who experienced higher levels of paranoia following the paranoia induction. Paper 3 is a critical reflection of the submitted papers and research process as a whole. The strengths and limitations of the presented research, methodological considerations and implications for clinical practice and theory are discussed and directions for future research are highlighted.

Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The purpose of this research was to examine how attachment style and rejection interact to influence female body image. I hypothesized that women who were high in attachment anxiety would report more negative self-evaluations than women who were low in attachment anxiety. I also hypothesized that this main effect would be qualified by a significant interaction between attachment anxiety and rejection, such that highly anxious women who were rejected would report even more negative self-evaluations than highly anxious women who were not rejected. In Study One, I found that higher levels of attachment anxiety were associated with lower self-evaluations but, contrary to expectations, attachment avoidance and rejection condition interacted to influence self-evaluations. At low levels of avoidance, women in the rejection condition reported significantly higher levels of appearance state self-esteem, body esteem, and trait self-esteem than women in the non-rejection condition. However, at high levels of avoidance, women in the rejection condition reported lower levels of these three constructs than women in the non-rejection condition, although this finding was statistically significant only for appearance state self-esteem. In Study Two, my goal was to replicate and extend these unexpected findings by examining perceived partner regard and public self-awareness as potential mediators of the interaction between avoidance and rejection on self-evaluations. Although a main effect of attachment anxiety was revealed for each of the dependent measures, contrary to Study One and my hypotheses, attachment avoidance and rejection did not interact to influence any of the self-evaluation measures and, thus, no mediational analyses were performed. Importantly, I discovered that even though participants’ mean ratings of their body esteem did not change following the rejection manipulation, the degree to which highly anxious women in the rejection condition associated how they felt about their appearance and how they thought their partner perceived them was significantly stronger than that of highly anxious women in the non-rejection condition and low anxious women in either condition. Explanations for the findings found in Study One and Study Two are discussed and the implications of these findings for future research and promoting a positive body image are considered. / Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2010-08-16 20:38:45.836

Attachment Theory and its practical application have re-emerged in recent years as a critical factor in understanding and determining the quality of relationships between the primary caregiver and the child. The reasons for disruptions in foster care placements have also been linked to problems with attachment. Foster care, in turn, has also become more prominent as a placement option in South Africa as we try to deal with the effect of HIV and AIDS on our communities. It would seem that the latest development in the application of Attachment Theory has specific value in assessing, developing and supervising the relationships in out-of-home care such as foster care placements. In this study the knowledge and application of some of the theoretical components and Attachment Theory of the social workers of Child Welfare Tshwane and their perceptions of their in-practice use thereof were explored. The results suggest that although the social workers knew that the quality of the relationship between the foster parents and the child is predictive of the success of the placement, they lacked the basic knowledge and skill to effectively attend to the attachment between foster parent and child. It seemed that they took more of a common sense approach towards understanding and addressing the attachment between the foster parent and the child. The research indicated that they do not have a sufficient grounding in Attachment Theory to be able to provide effective intervention regarding attachment-based concerns within the foster care context. The results indicate that there is a need to better equip social workers to deal with attachment-related issues they would routinely encounter when doing foster care supervision. / Attachment Theory and its practical application have re-emerged in recent years as a critical factor in understanding and determining the quality of relationships between the primary caregiver and the child. The reasons for disruptions in foster care placements have also been linked to problems with attachment. Foster care, in turn, has also become more prominent as a placement option in South Africa as we try to deal with the effect of HIV and AIDS on our communities. It would seem that the latest development in the application of Attachment Theory has specific value in assessing, developing and supervising the relationships in out-of-home care such as foster care placements. In this study the knowledge and application of some of the theoretical components and Attachment Theory of the social workers of Child Welfare Tshwane and their perceptions of their in-practice use thereof were explored. The results suggest that although the social workers knew that the quality of the relationship between the foster parents and the child is predictive of the success of the placement, they lacked the basic knowledge and skill to effectively attend to the attachment between foster parent and child. It seemed that they took more of a common sense approach towards understanding and addressing the attachment between the foster parent and the child. The research indicated that they do not have a sufficient grounding in Attachment Theory to be able to provide effective intervention regarding attachment-based concerns within the foster care context. The results indicate that there is a need to better equip social workers to deal with attachment-related issues they would routinely encounter when doing foster care supervision. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Attachment Theory and its practical application have re-emerged in recent years as a critical factor in understanding and determining the quality of relationships between the primary caregiver and the child. The reasons for disruptions in foster care placements have also been linked to problems with attachment. Foster care, in turn, has also become more prominent as a placement option in South Africa as we try to deal with the effect of HIV and AIDS on our communities. It would seem that the latest development in the application of Attachment Theory has specific value in assessing, developing and supervising the relationships in out-of-home care such as foster care placements. In this study the knowledge and application of some of the theoretical components and Attachment Theory of the social workers of Child Welfare Tshwane and their perceptions of their in-practice use thereof were explored. The results suggest that although the social workers knew that the quality of the relationship between the foster parents and the child is predictive of the success of the placement, they lacked the basic knowledge and skill to effectively attend to the attachment between foster parent and child. It seemed that they took more of a common sense approach towards understanding and addressing the attachment between the foster parent and the child. The research indicated that they do not have a sufficient grounding in Attachment Theory to be able to provide effective intervention regarding attachment-based concerns within the foster care context. The results indicate that there is a need to better equip social workers to deal with attachment-related issues they would routinely encounter when doing foster care supervision. / Attachment Theory and its practical application have re-emerged in recent years as a critical factor in understanding and determining the quality of relationships between the primary caregiver and the child. The reasons for disruptions in foster care placements have also been linked to problems with attachment. Foster care, in turn, has also become more prominent as a placement option in South Africa as we try to deal with the effect of HIV and AIDS on our communities. It would seem that the latest development in the application of Attachment Theory has specific value in assessing, developing and supervising the relationships in out-of-home care such as foster care placements. In this study the knowledge and application of some of the theoretical components and Attachment Theory of the social workers of Child Welfare Tshwane and their perceptions of their in-practice use thereof were explored. The results suggest that although the social workers knew that the quality of the relationship between the foster parents and the child is predictive of the success of the placement, they lacked the basic knowledge and skill to effectively attend to the attachment between foster parent and child. It seemed that they took more of a common sense approach towards understanding and addressing the attachment between the foster parent and the child. The research indicated that they do not have a sufficient grounding in Attachment Theory to be able to provide effective intervention regarding attachment-based concerns within the foster care context. The results indicate that there is a need to better equip social workers to deal with attachment-related issues they would routinely encounter when doing foster care supervision. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Orientador: Lígia Ebner Melchiori / Banca: Gimol Benzaquen Perosa / Banca: Carmen Maria Bueno Neme / Resumo: A teoria do apego, elaborada por John Bowlby, baseia-se na premissa de que os seres humanos, assim como outros animais, apresentam uma inclinação natural para construir e para manter vínculos com os outros que, ao longo do tempo, podem tornar-se insubistituíveis. Em suas pesquisas, desenvolvidas principalmente no período marcado pela Segunda Guerra Mundial, Bowlby descreveu os efeitos da separação de pessoas significativas na tenra infância, procurando especificar quais experiências afetivas seriam essenciais para a criança desenvolver habilidades para lidar com os desafios que a vida coloca a cada ser humano. No decorrer de praticamente meio século, a Teoria do Apego tornou-se um importante modelo psicológico que, na atualidade, possibilita elucidar tanto o desenvolvimento normal quanto condições psicopatológicas. Nesse contexto de transformações paulatinas, a dimensão emocional presente nos vínculos de apego constitui hoje, um componente fundamental de um quadro teórico bem mais extenso e diversificado. Em vista disso, o presente trabalho objetivou identificar os avanços da Teoria do Apego na Psicologia contemporânea, por meio de análise de material bibliográfico publicado no período de 2005 a 2010, na modalidade de resumos de artigos científicos e no formato de textos completos indexados nas bases de dados PsycInfo, Eric, Lilacs e Scielo. Foram encontrados 194 trabalhos, com maior volume de produção no ano de 2007. Nesse contexto, a pesquisadora chilena Maria Pía Santelices destacou-se como a autora com maior frequencia de publicações na atualidade. O inglês foi o idioma mais utilizado nos artigos encontrados, sendo que os Estados Unidos constituiu no país com maior volume de publicações. Observou-se um predomínio de estudos teóricos e, no caso dos estudos empíricos... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby, is based on the premise that humans, like other animals, have a natural inclination to build and maintain links with others who, over time, may become irreplaceable. In this research, developed mainly in the period market by World War II. Bowlby described the effects of separation from significant others in early childhood, seeking to specify which affective experiences would be essential for the child develop skills to cope the challenges that life poses to every human being. During nearly half a century, the Attachment. Theory has become an important psychological model that currently enables elucidate both normal development and psychopathological conditions. In this context of gradual changes, the emotional dimension of attachment bonds is now a key component of a theoretical framework much more extensive and diversified. Taking this into account, the present study aimed to identify the progress of the Attachment Theory in the Contemporary Psychology, through analysis of papers published in the period 2005 to 2010, in the form of abstracts of scientific articles and in full text format indexed in databases PsyInfo, Eric, Lilacs and Scielo. The research found 194 studies and revealed a higher volume of production in 2007. In this context, the Chilean researcher Maria Pia Santelices stood out a the author of publications more frequently nowadays. Enghish was the language most used in the articles found, and the United States was the country with the greatest volume of publications. There was predominate of theoretical works and, in the case of empirical research, a greater number of studies investigating attachment in adulthood was detected. Studies on human development prevailed. Psychology was the field of knowledge that received the most... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

van de Rijt-Plooij & Plooij (1992) have found periods of 'regressive behaviour' (Regression Periods), which accompany developmental transitions in infancy. In fullterm normal infants these periods occur at specific ages. The present study had two central aims. Firstly, to see if the Plooijs' finding of Regression Periods at 12, 17 and 26 weeks postpartum could be replicated. Secondly, to investigate the relationship between the length of Regression Periods for a control group of participants and a group of participants at heightened risk of developing insecure mother-infant attachment: mothers presenting with symptoms of post-natal depression. Forty-five mother-infant dyads participated in this prospective, longitudinal study. After seeing mothers at home, they were interviewed weekly, for approximately 15 weeks, about specific infant behaviours and their reactions to their infant. Following two types of manipulation of the data, Regression Periods for control group participants were detected at weeks 12, 16,20 and 24, whereas for participants in the post-natal depression group, Regression Periods were detected at weeks 14, 17 and 25, supporting the Plooijs' findings. Regression Periods were longer in the post-natal depression group. Depressed mothers were also less flexible in their mothering style, measured on the Facilitators & Regulators questionnaire. Based on the findings of this study, the development of insecure attachment is discussed. A clinical implication of this work is that information about Regression Periods could be made available to new-mothers, using Regression Period knowledge to focus on the prevention of insecure attachment.

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