Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2004. / Supervisors: Cindy Carlson and Nancy Hazen-Swann. Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Available also from UMI company.

Thesis (M.A.)--Carleton University, 1996. / Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

M.A. / The purpose of this study is to illustrate the psychotherapeutic use of Attachment Theory. Attachment Theory is an interpersonal theory which refers to the way an individual internalises an emotional-cognitive model of his relationships with his various attachment figures. These models of ways of relating are reflected in the way an individual speaks. The methodology of the study entailed conducting the semi-structured Adult Attachment Interview to elicit a psychotherapy client's narrative about his attachment relationships. A discourse analysis technique was then conducted to analyse the client's mode of speaking. In the context of the psychotherapy relationship the client showed a capacity for greater integration of previously dissociated thoughts and was able to gain some emotional relief in talking about his attachment relationships. Furthermore, Attachment Theory with its sensitivity to discourse can be seen to provide a useful framework for therapeutic practise.

This study was designed to explore the cognitive-perceptual roots of attrition from substance abuse treatment. Previous research on interpersonal issues among substance abusers and attachment theory suggested areas for investigation: the perception of early parental care, current interpersonal functioning, and perception of the substance abuse treatment program.

Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Close relationships are essential to health and well-being. There is clear evidence that problems in intimate relationships contribute to both health and psychological problems (Cassidy, 2001). In order to understand and treat adult intimate relationships effectively, there needs to be a theory that describes and explain adult intimate relationships. A review of the literature shows that the field has lacked a framework or a broad theory. A theory that proposes to be a framework for the understanding of adult intimate relationship, is John Bowlby's attachment theory. A review of the literature on adult intimate relationships, shows that attachment theory has become prominent in the field. Research suggests that attachment theory offers clinicians a way to grasp and help clients shape their attachment bond, transforming their marriages and their families (Johnson, 2003). It is therefore researchers' view that attachment theory offers the clinician a guide to understand adult intimate relationships and to treat and transform them. The objective of this review is to explore the applicability of attachment theory as a theory of adult intimate relationships. This review focuses on: A brief review of theories used in the area of adult intimate relationships; the central concepts of attachment bond and attachment styles and how these are carried through to adulthood via internal working models; the application of the concepts of attachment theory to the understanding and treatment of adult intimate relationships; the evaluation of EFT as a treatment model; and finally, the evaluation of attachment theory as a model of adult intimate relationships. Although there are valid concerns about the extensions and applications of the theory, it is concluded that the use attachment theory contributes to clinicians' understanding of adult intimate relationships. It was also suggested that extensive research on the use of this theory in other countries and specifically South Africa is critically needed to make well-grounded conclusions about the usefulness of this theory.

Research has described and many clinicians have reported the anorectic patient as socially disconnected, having a disembodied sense of self, perfectionist expectations, and inadequate and shameful feelings. The more intense the internal war, the more food-focused and self-defeating behavior ensues, thwarting one's ability to receive value, self-acceptance, and love. Addressing the anorexia phenomenon, this study considered, from a sociological perspective, the dynamics of attachment and shame. On the basis of 4 propositions and using a multi-method, case-replication design, attachment and shame patterns for 5 restrictive and 5 normal eaters were compared, as determined by scores from the Parental Bonding Instrument, Inventory of Parental and Peer Attachment, Internalized Shame Scale, and personal interviews. Analysis was progressive, as propositions were tested by pattern-matching steps of rating, comparing, and interpreting recurring responses to self-report and interview questions. All anorectics reported a dominant mother, with whom 4 were over attached and struggled ambivalently for autonomy, and a quiet, inexpressive father, whom 4 considered frequently absent or unavailable. As compared to normal eaters, anorectics' trust and communication scores were lower for both parents and peers. Generally, anorectics showed markedly higher internalized shame. Findings indicated that nonoptimal parental bonding patterns were related to shame. The maternal bonding pattern of affectionless control (high protection, low care) showed the highest shame score, although affectionate constraint (high protection, high care), the most frequently found pattern, also showed a high shame level. There were polarized differences between restrictive and normal eaters, especially in regards to self-hatred, low self-esteem, and suicide ideation. Anorectics also reported more inferiority and peer alienation. Other emergent findings were noted. A modification of a self-definition/relatedness illustration was suggested, as well as a model for the development of anorexia. Social implications, treatment suggestions, and future research recommendations were also presented.

The relationship between adult attachment style and romantic relationship quality in marriage relationships was explored. Romantic relationship quality was measured at the working model (or perceptual) and the behavioral levels. No previous research had investigated romantic relationship quality as reflecting specific attachment related perceptions of self and spouse or as attachment related behaviors. Two hundred and six married subjects were recruited from university campuses, churches, and on an individual basis. Most of the subjects were white, middle class, and had children. Subjects completed self-report questionnaires measuring adult attachment style, working model of self and romantic partner, and reports of relationship behaviors of self and romantic partner. The first hypothesis proposed that attachment style differences would be seen in specific attachment related working models of self and romantic partner. The second hypothesis proposed that attachment style differences would be seen in reports of attachment related behaviors for self and romantic partner. Hypotheses were tested using multivariate analysis of variance.

Attachment theory has implications for relational functioning across the lifespan. The attachment experience of institutionalised children in South Africa is understudied. Using a psychoanalytic perspective as an addition to thematic analysis of the ASCT, this research aims to add to the functional perspective of attachment, an internal psychic frame of reference with which to view attachment of at risk children in South Africa. Using 58 ASCT protocols, divided between children’s homes and hospitals, stories were analysed using thematic content analysis and discussed with an object relations perspective. Results suggest the inclusion of additional categories of attachment to the current classification system as well as a deeper relational understanding of the experience of insecure attachment. This has implications for the current understanding and classification of attachment.

Recently, researchers have begun to examine the impact of attachment on coping with a medical illness. It is hypothesised that a patient's responses to unusual or distressing physical symptoms and participation in the patient-clinician relationship can be understood by examining the nature of their attachments. Theoretical links between attachment style and affect regulation suggest that ‘internal working models’ developed in childhood may have implications, not only for the quality of close relationships, such as romantic love, but also for other significant interactions. In the domain of physical illness, patient-clinician interactions represent such a significant relationship. It is proposed that the attachment behaviour of the patient to the clinician in the context of chronic medical illness may impact on medical illness behaviour and illness outcome. This clinical portfolio reviews the literature on attachment theory, health behaviour and the implications of the patient-clinician relationship in the context of a chronic medical illness. Four case studies of different types of chronic medical illness were examined in relation to attachment theory. The cases included: Jenny, a 10 year-old girl with polycystic kidney disease; Angela, a 13 year-old girl with recurrent urinary tract infections; Aarron, a 36 year-old man with Human Immunodeficiency Virus; and Andrew, a 49 year-old man with multiple medical illnesses. It was concluded that attachment theory is a useful conceptual framework for informing clinical formulation and explaining the patient-clinician interaction among individuals with a chronic medical illness.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.