PSY 322 MODULE 5-2 Short Paper: Attachment Styles

Step-By-Step Guide Module 5-2 Short Paper

Introduction to PSY 322 MODULE 5-2 Short Paper: Attachment Styles

The PSY 322 MODULE 5-2 Short Paper: Attachment Styles delves into the intricate connections between infant attachment patterns and their manifestations in adolescent romantic relationships. By examining different attachment styles, their impacts, and their potential for change, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how early developmental experiences shape later relationship dynamics. Utilizing scholarly articles and textbook knowledge, this PSY 322 How-To Guide provides a structured approach to analyzing these complex relationships.

Adolescence is a period when relationships and romance take center stage. However, a significant body of research demonstrates a link between adolescent (and adult) relationship functioning and attachment characteristics and styles acquired in infancy. That is, developmental research has connected mother-infant attachment problems to subsequent adult relationship issues.

Researching Infant Attachment Styles

To start the PSY 322 MODULE 5-2 Short Paper: Attachment Styles, we will explore different infant attachment styles.

• Identify Key Attachment Styles: Focus on secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized attachment styles.
• Use Scholarly Sources: Access at least two scholarly articles from the Shapiro Library and relevant textbook chapters.
• Historical Context: Briefly explain the origins and development of attachment theory, referencing key researchers like Bowlby and Ainsworth.
• Detailed Descriptions: Provide a thorough explanation of each attachment style, highlighting characteristics and developmental implications.

Example

Adolescence is a period when relationships and romance take center stage. However, a significant body of research demonstrates a link between adolescent (and adult) relationship functioning and attachment characteristics and styles acquired in infancy. Developmental research has connected mother-infant attachment problems to subsequent adult relationship issues. Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby (2013) and furthered by Mary Ainsworth (1992), identifies four primary attachment styles: secure, avoidant, ambivalent (anxious-resistant), and disorganized. Secure attachment, typically resulting from responsive caregiving, leads to healthy relationship expectations and confidence in interpersonal interactions. Avoidant attachment arises from distant or unresponsive caregiving, resulting in emotional self-sufficiency and difficulty in forming close relationships. Ambivalent attachment, stemming from inconsistent caregiving, results in anxiety and uncertainty in relationships, often leading to clinginess. Disorganized attachment, often due to trauma or neglect, leads to confusion and fear in relationships, manifesting in unpredictable behavior.

How each infant attachment style manifests in later romantic relationships

Manifestation in Adolescent Romantic Relationships

In this section of PSY 322 MODULE 5-2 Short Paper: Attachment Styles, we will discuss the manifestation of those attachments in adolescent romantic relationships.

• Literature Review: Summarize findings from the scholarly articles and textbook on how each attachment style manifests in adolescent romantic relationships.
• Examples and Case Studies: Include examples or case studies to illustrate typical behaviors and relationship patterns for each attachment style.
• Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast the relationship dynamics of different attachment styles, noting specific behaviors and outcomes.

Example

The impact of these attachment styles extends into adolescent romantic relationships. Securely attached individuals typically exhibit trust, open communication, and a balanced approach to intimacy and independence. Research shows they form stable, satisfying relationships marked by mutual support and emotional regulation (Hazan & Shaver, 1987). For example, a securely attached teenager might easily confide in their partner and navigate conflicts constructively. In contrast, avoidant attachment often results in emotional distancing and reluctance to depend on others. Adolescents with this style might struggle with intimacy, preferring casual relationships over committed ones. Studies indicate that avoidantly attached teens may be perceived as aloof or unresponsive by their partners (Bartholomew & Horowitz, 1991). Ambivalently attached adolescents often experience intense relationship anxiety and dependency. Emotional highs and lows can mark their relationships as they seek constant reassurance from their partners. Such individuals might frequently worry about their partner’s feelings and need continuous affirmation, leading to strained interactions  (Levy et al., 2011). Disorganized attachment manifests in chaotic and unpredictable relationship behaviors. Adolescents with this style may exhibit conflicting behaviors—seeking closeness one moment and pushing their partner away the next. This unpredictability can lead to unstable and tumultuous relationships, as these individuals often struggle with emotional regulation and trust (Main & Solomon, 1990).

Under what conditions each attachment style can produce healthy, lasting relationships

Conditions for Healthy, Lasting Relationships

For this section of PSY 322 MODULE 5-2 Short Paper: Attachment Styles, we will discuss the conditions for healthy, lasting relationships.

• Positive Influences: Identify conditions and factors that can promote healthy, lasting relationships for each attachment style.
• Protective Factors: Discuss protective factors such as supportive environments, effective communication, and emotional regulation.
• Role of Therapy: Explain the role of therapeutic interventions in fostering healthy relationship patterns, particularly for insecure attachment styles.

Example

Despite the challenges posed by insecure attachment styles, certain conditions can promote healthy, lasting relationships. For securely attached individuals, maintaining their relationship health typically involves continued positive communication and mutual respect. For those with avoidant or ambivalent attachments, supportive environments and effective communication can mitigate some negative tendencies. Protective factors such as understanding partners, emotional regulation strategies, and secure relationship experiences can help these individuals develop healthier relationship patterns (Levy et al., 2011). Therapy plays a crucial role, particularly for those with insecure attachments. Therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and emotional-focused therapy (EFT) can help individuals recognize and alter maladaptive attachment behaviors. Therapy provides a safe space to explore attachment issues and develop healthier interpersonal strategies  (S. Johnson & Greenman, 2013).

Changing Unhealthy Attachment Styles

• Possibility of Change: Address whether individuals can change their attachment style.
• Intervention Strategies: Describe effective intervention strategies such as therapy, self-awareness practices, and relationship education.
• Research Evidence: Support your discussion with evidence from scholarly research, highlighting successful case studies and therapeutic outcomes.
• Practical Steps: Offer practical steps individuals can take to work towards healthier attachment patterns.

Example

Changing an unhealthy attachment style is challenging but possible with appropriate interventions like therapy, self-awareness practices, and relationship education. Research shows that consistent therapeutic engagement can significantly improve attachment security and relationship satisfaction. Practical steps include engaging in treatment, practicing mindfulness, building trust through reliable behaviors, and seeking supportive relationships. These measures help individuals rewire their attachment responses and develop healthier relationship patterns.

Closing

The PSY 322 MODULE 5-2 Short Paper: Attachment Styles provides an in-depth exploration of how infant attachment patterns influence adolescent romantic relationships and the potential for change. By understanding the developmental trajectory from infancy to adolescence, students gain valuable insights into the complexity of human relationships. This knowledge underscores the importance of early attachment experiences and offers hope for individuals seeking healthier relationship dynamics through informed intervention strategies. By following this Owlisdom How-To Guide, students will be equipped to address the assignment requirements comprehensively, providing well-researched and insightful analyses of the connections between infant attachment and adolescent romantic relationships. Do not go anywhere, students; in the upcoming How-To Guide, we will explain the next PSY 322 5-3 Final Project Milestone Three: Literature Review.

References

Bartholomew, K., & Horowitz, L. M. (1991). Attachment styles among young adults: A test of a four-category model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61(2), 226–244. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.61.2.226  Hazan, C., & Shaver, P. (1987). Romantic love is conceptualized as an attachment process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(3), 511–524. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.52.3.511  Johnson, D. E., Miller, L. C., Iverson, S., Thomas, W., Franchino, B., Dole, K., Kiernan, M. T., Georgieff, M. K., & Hostetter, M. K. (1992). The health of children adopted from Romania. Jama, 268(24), 3446–3451. Johnson, S., & Greenman, P. (2013). Commentary: Of course, it is all about attachment! Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 39(4), 421–423. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12035  Levy, K. N., Ellison, W. D., Scott, L. N., & Bernecker, S. L. (2011). Attachment style. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67(2), 193–203. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20756  Main, M., & Solomon, J. (1990). Procedures for identifying infants as disorganized/disoriented during the Ainsworth Strange Situation. In Attachment in the preschool years: Theory, research, and intervention (pp. 121–160). The University of Chicago Press.