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Chase Sink, Ashley Wright, & Richard Woody – Longwood University
Longitudinal Associations between Adolescent Individuation and Script-Like Attachment Representations Christopher A. Bjornsen, Megan Bates, Caitlin Daly, Zachary Hollis, Hannah Hume, Tiffany Ingold, Sarah Radzom, Chase Sink, Ashley Wright, & Richard Woody – Longwood University Results Abstract Year 1 – Year 2 intercorrelations between the two ECR-R subscales averaged .55 and were significant at the .001 level (n = 58). Year 1 – Year 2 intercorrelations between the nine SITA subscales averaged .69 and were all significant at the .01 level (n = 57). Year 1 – Year 2 intercorrelations between the six MITA subscales averaged .73 and were all significant at the .001 level (n = 26). Thus, the test-retest reliability for these measures was satisfactory. As shown in Table 1., Year 1 scores the ECR-R, SITA, and MITA consistently predicted Year 2 scores on attachment and individuation scales, in expected directions. High anxiety and avoidance (ECR-R Yr1) scores predicted low levels of individuation in Yr2, and low levels of individuation on either the SITA and MITA predicted low levels of individuation in Yr2. Unexpectedly, only one subscale was significantly correlated with average scores on the secure-base script measure: nurturance seeking (SITA). This pattern held true in comparisons of Script scores with both Yr1 and Yr2 ECR-R, SITA, and MITA subscales. In this longitudinal study of adolescent emotional development, participants completed two different measures of individuation and two different measures of attachment, including a newly-created script-based method (Waters and Rodrigues-Doolabh, 2004). Results indicate substantial stability of individuation and attachment security. Introduction In the present study the authors investigated the relations between individuation and attachment in late adolescence across a one-year period. Expanding upon the clinical/theoretical work of Peter Blos (1962, 1985) researchers have investigated the psychological changes that adolescents experience as they develop the emotional capacity to function autonomously vis-à-vis significant others, especially parents. A frequently employed measure of adolescent individuation is the Separation Individuation Test of Adolescence (SITA; see Levine & Saintonge, 1993), although the psychometric properties of the SITA have been questioned (McClanahan & Holmbeck, 1992; Walper, 1997). As a result, Walper (1997) developed the Munich Individuation Test of Adolescence (MITA). Recent investigations of self-reported attachment styles have employed the revision of the Experience in Close Relationships Scale by Fraley, Waller, and Brennan (ECR-R, 2000). The two subscales of this measure reflect an individual’s degree of anxiety about self and satisfaction of attachment needs, and avoidance of closeness in relationships with others. More recently, Waters and Rodrigues-Doolabh (2004) developed a Secure-Base Script measure of attachment. Harriet Waters developed the script method in order to facilitate the measurement of attachment through the use of procedure that is less expensive and less difficult than the AAI, yet one that more accurately reflects the internal working model construct described by Bowlby than do questionnaire measures. Discussion Methods Sample word-prompt Sue’s Accident Sue wait home road Mike dinner accident tears bed hospital doctor hug During year one, 464 participants (121 male (26%), 343 female (74%), age m=19.44) completed a questionnaire either on paper or online through SurveyMonkey.com. The questionnaire included the ECR-R (Attachment), the SITA (Individuation), and the MITA (Individuation). During year two, 58 participants (11 male (19%), 47 female (81%), age m=19.41) completed an online questionnaire that included the ECR-R (Attachment), the SITA (Individuation), and the MITA (Individuation). Ps in year two also completed a 30-minute individual interview in a private laboratory setting during which the secure-base script measure was administered. Using the story prompts developed by Waters & Rodrigues-Doolabh (see example at right), Ps mentally constructed and verbally told stories that followed the general story outline depicted in the word prompts. Verbal stories were audio-recorded and transcribed. Ps told six stories, although only four of the stories (following protocol) were transcribed and scored for secure-base scriptedness using a seven-point scale of weakest to strongest degree of attachment security. Our results suggest that levels of attachment security (ECR-R) and individuation (SITA, MITA) are meaningfully related and fairly stable over time, at least in this sample of late adolescents. Participants who expressed a secure attachment style also described themselves in ways that reflect a more “mature”, individuated self-concept vis-à-vis parents and peers. A limitation of the present study is that the secure-base script method is relatively new, and consistent or clear construct validity has yet to be established. Additionally, participant stories were scored by the first author, which represents his first attempt to score secure-base scripts. Further training and practice may be necessary to obtain scores with higher validity. 54th Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, Charlotte, NC, March Contact:
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