Interviews were conducted with therapists (N = 12) nominated by peers as especially effective in working with clients with adult interpersonal problems. Open-ended questions asked how these therapists would approach 2 adult clients described in brief vignettes as having high attachment avoidance or anxiety. A coding team used a grounded theory…

The first purpose of this study was to investigate direct links between body image dissatisfaction (BID) in college women and their memories of either parent as cold and emotionally aloof. Theory, clinical case evidence, and a small (but growing) number of studies support these links. After estimating the strength of the associations between…

Parents (N=124) completed surveys assessing their adult attachment style, conflict resolution style, social self-efficacy, and perspective taking. Findings show relationships between secure attachment and mutual forms of conflict resolution. More equivocal support was obtained for pairings of specific nonsecure attachment styles and nonmutual…

Alexithymia (difficulty differentiating affective states and expressing feelings, external reliance in decision-making) is studied as a possible mediator by which dysfunctional family environment in childhood affects adult clients' attachment to therapist (N=61). Fear of separation, parent/child role reversal, and marital conflict were associated…

This study examined maladaptive perfectionism (concern over mistakes, doubts about one's ability to accomplish tasks, and failure to meet high standards) as both a mediator and a moderator between adult attachment (anxiety and avoidance) and depressive mood (depression and hopelessness). Survey data were collected from 310 undergraduates and…

This paper reports an error in the original article, "Adult Attachment, Depressive Symptoms, and Validation From Self Versus Others," by Meifen Wei, Brent Mallinckrodt, Lisa M. Larson, and Robyn A. Zakalik (Journal of Counseling Psychology, 2005[Jul], 52[3], 368-377). In this article, boxes were inadvertently placed around every path coefficient…

Attachment working models of self and others may govern adults' preferences for internal vs. external sources of reassurance, which, if unavailable, lead to depressive symptoms. This study examined a model in which the link between depressive symptoms and attachment anxiety is mediated by (a) capacity for self-reinforcement and (b) need for…

Back-translation is typically used to verify semantic equivalence (SE) of a translated measure to the original scale. Although validity of the adapted scale depends fundamentally on SE, back-translation always involves subjective evaluations. This study developed "dual-language, split-half quantitative methods of verification to supplement…

Describes development of an instrument, the Client Attachment to Therapist Scale (CATS). CATS factors correlated in expected directions with survey measures of object relations, client-rated working alliance, social self-efficacy, and adult attachment. Cluster analysis revealed four types of client attachment. Discusses implications of attachment…

Female clients (n=76) at 4 university and community agencies completed surveys containing questionnaires concerning parental bonding, self-efficacy, adult attachment, and working alliance. Results indicated that parental bonds, especially with fathers, were significantly associated with social competencies, although working alliance was negatively…

This study examined perceived coping (perceived problem-solving ability and progress in coping with problems) as a mediator between adult attachment (anxiety and avoidance) and psychological distress (depression, hopelessness, anxiety, anger, and interpersonal problems). Survey data from 515 undergraduate students were analyzed using structural…

This study examined factorial invariance, structured means, and association with negative mood of adult attachment across 4 ethnic groups. Online survey data (N = 831) were collected from African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Caucasian college students. Results indicated that the factor structure of the Experiences in Close…

Former participants in a high school enrichment program for girls interested in science careers were surveyed 1 to 2 years after high school graduation. After reporting their college major, they completed measures of science self-efficacy and quality of emotional bonds with parents. Of the 41 women, 5 were not enrolled in college. Those actually…

In this survey study of 430 undergraduates, elements of the social competencies and interpersonal processes model (B. Mallinckrodt, 2000) were tested. Two social competencies were hypothesized to mediate the direct effects of 2 independent variables, attachment anxiety and avoidance, on 2 outcomes, psychological distress and perceived social…