Research suggests that trauma plays a part in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and psychosis, but it is unclear what role psychotic symptoms or hospitalisation have. Some research has been carried out on mediators and predictors of PTSD and integrating the evidence has key implications for individual and service outcomes. The two papers presented in this thesis aim to contribute to research in this area, followed by a critical review of the research, its relevance and future implications.Paper One is a systematic review of the literature investigating the prevalence of psychosis-related and hospital-related PTSD and considered what factors moderate or mediates these symptoms. Studies showed high levels of psychosis-related and hospital-related PTSD and seventeen factors that may influence the development of psychosis-related or hospital-related PTSD were explored. However incidence rates in different populations are lacking and there is a need to better explore mediating and moderating factors.Paper Two aimed to investigate the traumatic nature of psychosis and hospitalisation and their relationships with attachment and recovery styles in people with psychosis in a secure setting. The final section, the Critical Review, aimed to place the research in a wider context, considering the findings from the research, limitations of the study, highlighting important issues for services, and implications for interventions and future studies.

The shared language, attitudes, practices and patterns of those who participate in “collecting" in the lower mainland area of British Columbia are described. Recurring themes and patterns emerge in the analysis of data obtained through interviews with thirty collector-informants. The generalizability of collecting as a phenomenon which exists outside of what is being collected is established. Collectors' roles as curators and the serious and consuming aspects of collecting, including the cycles of collecting, affection and sentiment held toward collected objects, and the strategies and approaches to the process of collecting are discussed. Propositions set out by previous researchers Belk, Danet and Katriel are examined in light of the data. Implications for museum studies and museum education specifically, are considered. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

Romantic relationships are considered to be the most important bonds established in adulthood (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007). Accordingly, extensive empirical efforts have been expended on delineating factors linked with couple satisfaction. Given the intricacies of these relational bonds, a plethora of studies have likewise focused on exploring the elaborate and explicit processes of close relationships. What emerged was one of the most prolific theories of close relationships: attachment theory. Despite the recognized and confirmed role of attachment processes in couple satisfaction (Feeney, Noller, & Hanrahan, 1994), studies have seldom examined how the relation between explicit relationship factors and couple satisfaction may differ as a function of an individual's romantic attachment. The understanding of the link between variables is often enhanced by understanding what limits or improves this relation, for instance, for whom or under which circumstances (Hayes & Matthes, 2009). Such theoretical accounts of an effect are frequently tested and strengthened by the examination of a moderator effect (a variable that impacts the strength or direction of a predictor and outcome variable; Baron & Kenny, 1986). Accordingly, the overarching aim of the thesis was to explore original moderation models examining whether the established relation between jealousy (article 1) or intimacy (article 2) and couple satisfaction, respectively, differs for individuals with distinct romantic attachment patterns (i.e., attachment anxiety versus avoidance). In this way, the goal was to not only implement novel explorations extending current knowledge of the aforementioned link between jealousy or intimacy and couple satisfaction, but moreover, highlight for whom such relations may differ. Explicitly, the main objective of the first article was to implement a unique model exploring the moderating role of romantic attachment on the relation between emotional, iv cognitive, and behavioural jealousy and couple satisfaction. The study comprised of a large university sample of individuals (N = 502) involved in a heterosexual relationship of at least 12 months duration. Given the view of emotional, cognitive, and behavioural jealousy as an interrelated process (Pheiffer & Wong, 1989), and the corresponding absence of a model examining all facets concurrently, a comprehensive model simultaneously incorporating all of the above mentioned facets of jealousy within one model was implemented. Additionally, provided the unexamined stipulation of jealousy as impacting the relationship satisfaction of both partners of a couple (De Silva & Marks, 1994), this study sought to incorporate a new line of research investigating both one's jealousy and one's perception of their partner's jealousy (emotional, cognitive, and behavioural) and the potentially differential relation with one's couple satisfaction. The exploration of hierarchical models revealed that cognitive jealousy was negatively associated with one's couple satisfaction, whereas emotional jealousy demonstrated a positive association; behavioural jealousy was not shown to add incremental value in one's couple satisfaction. All aforementioned results were applicable to both one's own and one's perception of their partner's jealousy for each respective facet. Results also revealed that romantic attachment influenced the strength of the relation between several facets of jealousy and couple satisfaction, with attachment anxiety mostly increasing and attachment avoidance either decreasing or not influencing this relation. As such, findings suggested that jealousy experiences (one's own or one's perception of their partner's) may have a more detrimental relation with one's couple satisfaction amongst individuals exhibiting higher attachment anxiety. The aim of the second study was to explore an original model examining the moderating role of romantic attachment on the relation between intimacy and couple satisfaction using a community sample of couples (N = 117) involved in a heterosexual relationship of at least 12 v months duration. Given that intimacy is viewed as a multifaceted process (Schaefer & Olson, 1981), the current study concurrently investigated both emotional and sexual facets of intimacy within one model. Additionally, given the view of intimacy as a dyadic process that must accommodate both partners (Reis & Shaver, 1981), an actor-partner interdependence model (APIM: Kenny, Kashy, & Cook, 2006) using Linear Mixed Models (LML) was implemented in order to examine the relation between a participant's and their partner's emotional and sexual intimacy and one's couple satisfaction. Findings revealed that only actor and partner emotional intimacy were significantly and positively linked with actor couple satisfaction when examined concurrently with sexual intimacy; a larger amount of variance was revealed for actor versus partner effects. Results similarly showed that higher actor avoidant attachment moderated the former relation, such that a lessened positive association was demonstrated between actor emotional intimacy and actor couple satisfaction. Hence, findings suggested that the attainment of higher levels of emotional intimacy may be less pertinent for the satisfactory romantic relationship of individuals exhibiting higher attachment avoidance. No additional moderation effects of romantic attachment were found. The applied and clinical implications of both studies are discussed, such as the relevance of considering romantic attachment in ascertaining the link between particular relationship factors and couple satisfaction.

In the last decade, global instability has led to higher demands placed on military members and their families, especially in the area of deployment. Longer and more frequent deployments have had significant psychological consequences on soldiers who have been deployed. Deployment has also been shown to negatively impact child adjustment; however, the research in this area is limited, particularly within a Canadian military context. The purpose for the two current studies was to examine specific areas of child adjustment affected by military status, particularly deployment, and to explore potential pathways through which this impact occurs. Study 1 included an examination of the effect of military status on maternal depressive symptoms, parental stress, and marital satisfaction, as well as on the quality of the child's attachment to the parent at home. Further analyses were conducted to determine if maternal well-being mediated the effect of military status on attachment, and if there was a moderating role of social support on these associations. In Study 2, the unique role of military status in predicting reported behaviour problems over and above what was accounted for by child attachment and parental stress was explored. Findings from these studies revealed an association between deployment and higher levels of insecure attachment; and although deployment modestly predicted maternal depressive symptoms, there was no mediating effect found for maternal well-being. Furthermore, while insecure attachment and higher levels of parental stress were associated with elevated behaviour problems, deployment uniquely predicted conduct problems, internalizing problems, and total behaviour problems. Findings from the current studies add a valuable contribution to the limited available literature on how deployment affects young children in military families. Moreover these findings provide a basis in which to direct further research, and to also guide the development and implementation of interventions to support at-risk children in military families.

In this doctoral thesis, a culturally-sensitive couple therapy model was developed and empirically investigated. In particular, a Western-based couple therapy, Emotionally-Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), was modified to enhance the cultural relevancy of this model to the Japanese population. An extensive literature review was conducted to examine the status of psychotherapy and couple research in Japan, and cultural differences between Western and Japanese couples, with a particular emphasis on important couple variables, including emotional expression, communication, conflict resolution, and attachment. Study objectives included an empirical investigation into cultural differences on key relationship variables of trust, attachment, communication, and conflict resolution, and the use of these findings to guide adaptations of EFT to enhance cultural relevance, and an exploration of the adapted EFT model with three Japanese couples. This study is significant in that it is the first to empirically evaluate the cross-cultural validity of EFT. This dissertation consists of two studies that have been combined in one article for the purpose of publishing the document in a Japanese journal. Both studies were combined in one article for various reasons. First, study one findings are integral to the development of the culturally-sensitive EFT model that is empirically investigated in the second study. Second, the article included in this dissertation will be translated and prepared for publication in a Japanese journal. Including both studies in one article is important given the lack of familiarity in the Japanese research community about key relationship variables, and particularly their applicability to a couple therapy system (i.e., EFT), and their use to measure change in a couple therapy outcome study.

Introduction: Research indicates that children with an intellectual disability [ID] are at an increased risk of developing attachment difficulties and subsequent affect regulation difficulties. Attachment theory may further understanding of the risk factors for individuals with an ID experiencing mental health problems, challenging behaviour and emotional difficulties. However, there is a paucity of research into attachment and adults with ID and there is a lack of valid and reliable measures for assessing attachment security for this group. The Manchester Attachment Scale-Third Party Observational Measure [MAST] was developed to assess degree of secure attachment behaviour for adults with ID and the current study examined the psychometric properties of the MAST. Method: Professional carers [N=40] supporting individuals with an ID completed the MAST and other measures related to the construct of attachment theory (subscales of the Edward Zigler-Yale Personality Questionnaire[EZPQ] and Emotional Rating Scale [ERS] as well as the Learning Disability Casemix Scale [LDCS) regarding individuals with an ID they were supporting [N=57]. Individuals with an ID [N=14] completed the Self-report Assessment of Attachment Security [SRAAS]. Results: The MAST was found to have good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The convergent validity of the MAST was indicated by positive correlation with the EZPQ subscales (negative reaction tendency, obedience, positive reaction tendency and outerdirectedness) and scores on the SRAAS. The MAST was found to be correlated with both levels of ID and presence of challenging behaviour as measured by LDCS scores. Conclusion: These current results provide preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the MAST as a measure of secure attachment behaviour for adults with ID. The results provide support for previous research that indicates a relationship between attachment security and level of ID and challenging behaviour. The results of the study and the implications of attachment theory for adults with ID are discussed.

This thesis explored attachment in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). It investigated the role that attachment may have in presenting difficulties, including trauma symptoms, which has a growing body of literature, particularly in people without ID. Paper 1 describes a systematic review of the available literature relating to the psychological well-being of young people with ID in the UK who are 'looked after children' (LAC) or who live away from their birth families. Evidence suggests that both LAC and people with ID, may be vulnerable to developing mental health difficulties. However, there is a paucity of research investigating the psychological well-being of young people with ID who are LAC or who live away from birth families. 17 studies were reviewed, which ranged between 21% and 71% in quality as measured by the QATSDD (Sirriyeh, Lawton, Gardner, & Armitage, 2012). . Only one study was found that directly focused on the psychological well-being of LAC with an ID. The available studies offered some insights into the prevalence, characteristics of young people with ID who are LAC or who live away from their birth families and some of the psychological difficulties they encounter. However, given the methodological limitations of the included studies, no firm conclusions could be drawn. Paper 2 describes an empirical study that investigated the relationship between attachment security and trauma symptoms in adults with ID. 27 staff and service users participated in the research. Service user participants completed a self-report questionnaire regarding trauma symptoms with the researcher and staff participants provided demographic information and completed questionnaires that measured attachment security, trauma symptoms, depressive mood and traumatic events in relation to the service user. No relationship was found between attachment security and trauma symptoms. However, it provided tentative evidence with respect to the type of traumatic events experienced by people with ID and of the prevalence of mental health difficulties in people with ID. There were however several methodological limitations, including a small sample size. Implications for future research and clinical practice are outlined. Paper 3 provides a critical and personally reflective account of undertaking the systematic review and empirical study as outlined above. Strengths and limitations of the research are interwoven throughout. Recommendations for future research and implications for practice are also considered.

Examines the relationship between early maternal attachment security and verbal emotional expression in males. Participants were 115 male college students aged 18 to 25 years (M=20.0 yrs.) who completed a questionnaire comprised of two measures of early maternal attachment security, two measures of emotional expression, and demographic items. Results showed a low to moderate relationship between early attachment security and verbal emotional expression.

We investigated spouses’ ability to engage in a positive interaction following relationship conflict, a process that involves skills in recovering from distress and reconnecting with one’s partner. The quality of positive interactions was hypothesized to vary as a function of attachment and have implications for marital satisfaction. Newlywed couples discussed a conflict in their relationship followed by a discussion of positive aspects of their relationship. We hypothesized and found that greater attachment avoidance in husbands predicted less positive behavior in both partners during the positive interaction. Additionally, wives’ positive behavior predicted both partners’ relationship satisfaction, even above and beyond caregiving and careseeking behavior during the conflict. The findings point to the importance of examining not only how couples discuss conflicts, but also how they behave in the aftermath of those discussions.

Biofouling is a significant economic problem, particularly for marine and offshore oil industries. The acorn barnacle (Amphibalanus (Balanus) amphitrite) is the main biofouling organism in marine environments. Environmental conditions, the physiology of the biofouling organism, the surrounding microbial community, and the properties of the substratum can all influence the attachment of biofouling organisms to substrates. My dissertation investigated the biological processes involved in B. amphitrite development and attachment in the unique environment of the Red Sea, where the average water surface temperature is 34°C and the salinity reaches 41‰. I profiled the transcriptome and proteome of B. amphitrite at different life stages (nauplius II, nauplius VI, and cyprid) and identified 65,784 expressed contigs and 1387 expressed proteins by quantitative proteomics. During the planktonic stage, genes related to osmotic stress, salt stress, the hyperosmotic response, and the Wnt signaling pathway were strongly up-regulated, hereas genes related to the MAPK pathway, lipid metabolism, and cuticle development were down-regulated. In the transition from the nauplius VI to cyprid stages, there was up-regulation of genes involved in blood coagulation, cuticle development, and eggshell formation, and down-regulation of genes in the nitric oxide pathway, which stimulates the swimming and feeding responses of marine invertebrates. This system-wide integrated approach elucidated the development and attachment pathways important in B. amphitrite. Enzymes and metabolites in these pathways are potential molecular targets for the development of new antifouling compounds.