Focusing on the adult attachment style in schizophrenia in community mental health centres: Validation of the Psychosis Attachment Measure (PAM) in a German-speaking sample

2011 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 362-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Kvrgic ◽  
Eva-Marina Beck ◽  
Marialuisa Cavelti ◽  
Joe Kossowsky ◽  
Rolf-Dieter Stieglitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Attachment Style ◽  
Therapeutic Relationship ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
German Version ◽  
Anxious Attachment ◽  
Avoidant Attachment

Background: Assessing attachment style in people with schizophrenia may be important to identify a risk factor in building a strong therapeutic relationship and so indirectly to understand the development of mal-compliance as one of the major obstacles in the treatment of schizophrenia. Aims: The present study analysed the psychometric properties of the German version of the Psychosis Attachment Measure (PAM), which assesses avoidant and anxious attachment style. Methods: A sample of 127 patients suffering from chronic schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder participated in this study. In testing discriminant validity, we assessed psychopathology, depression, therapeutic relationship and service engagement. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and factor structure were analysed. Results: The German version of PAM exhibited acceptable to good internal and test-retest reliabilities and the two-factor structure of the English version could be replicated. Avoidant attachment style was related to higher levels of positive symptoms and to a poorer therapeutic relationship. In the context of external validation, a regression analysis revealed that a poor therapeutic relationship correlated with avoidant attachment style, independent of anxious attachment style and depressive symptoms. Anxious attachment was associated with higher treatment adherence. Both insecure attachment styles (avoidant and anxious) were found to be correlated with higher levels of depression, but only attachment anxiety had an independent predictive value for self-reported depression in regression analysis. Conclusions: The German version of PAM displayed satisfactory psychometric properties and seems to be a reliable measure for assessing attachment style in individuals with schizophrenia. Validation of PAM led to the finding that only the avoidant attachment style might be a risk factor when building a strong therapeutic relationship in schizophrenia. In future studies, other factors influencing therapeutic relationship should be taken into account. Anxious attachment style may be a risk factor for depression, but it also has an enhancing effect on treatment adherence.

Construct Validity of Sensation Seeking: A Psychometric Investigation

1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Beauducel ◽  
Burkhard Brocke ◽  
Alexander Strobel ◽  
Anja Strobel
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
German Version ◽  
Trait Theory ◽  
Multilevel Theory ◽  
Sensation Seeking Scale ◽  
Psychometric Investigation

Abstract: Zuckerman postulated a biopsychological multilevel theory of Sensation Seeking, which is part of a more complex multi-trait theory, the Alternative Five. The Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (SSS V) was developed for the measurement of Sensation Seeking. The process of validation of Sensation Seeking as part of a multilevel theory includes analyses of relations within and between several levels of measurement. The present study investigates validity and basic psychometric properties of a German version of the SSS V in a broader context of psychometric traits. - The 120 participants were mainly students. They completed the SSS V, the Venturesomeness- and Impulsiveness-Scales of the IVE, the BIS/BAS-Scales, the ZKPQ and the NEO-FFI. - The results reveal acceptable psychometric properties for the SSS V but with limitations with regard to factor structure. Indications for criterion validity were obtained by prediction of substance use by the subscales Dis and BS. The results of a MTMM analysis, especially the convergent validities of the SSS V were quite satisfying. On the whole, the results yielded sufficient support for the validity of the Sensation Seeking construct or the instrument respectively. They also point to desirable modifications.

Psychometric Properties of the German Version of the Scale to Assess the Therapeutic Relationship in Community Mental Health Care (D-STAR)

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 255-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Loos ◽  
Reinhold Kilian ◽  
Thomas Becker ◽  
Birgit Janssen ◽  
Harald Freyberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Community Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Therapeutic Relationship ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Community Mental Health Care ◽  
German Version

Objective: There are presently no instruments available in German language to assess the therapeutic relationship in psychiatric care. This study validates the German version of the Scale to Assess the Therapeutic Relationship in Community Mental Health Care (D-STAR). Method: 460 persons with severe mental illness and 154 clinicians who had participated in a multicenter RCT testing a discharge planning intervention completed the D-STAR. Psychometric properties were established via item analysis, analyses of missing values, internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis. Furthermore, convergent validity was scrutinized via calculating correlations of the D-STAR scales with two measures of treatment satisfaction. Results: As in the original English version, fit indices of a 3-factor model of the therapeutic relationship were only moderate. However, the feasibility and internal consistency of the D-STAR was good, and correlations with other measures suggested reasonable convergent validity. Conclusions: The psychometric properties of the D-STAR are acceptable. Its use can be recommended in German-speaking countries to assess the therapeutic relationship in both routine care and research.

Romantic relationships in adults with ADHD: The effect of partner attachment style on relationship quality

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-64
Author(s):  
Katherine Knies ◽  
Elizabeth A. Bodalski ◽  
Kate Flory
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Attachment Style ◽  
Attachment Styles ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Insecure Attachment ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Anxious Attachment ◽  
Avoidant Attachment ◽  
Romantic Relationship Quality

Prior literature indicates that insecure attachment styles (i.e., anxious or avoidant) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) both have negative impacts on romantic relationships, but relatively little is known about how these factors interact among couples where one partner has ADHD and the other does not. One hundred and fifty-nine partners of adults with significant ADHD symptoms completed measures of their own attachment styles, their partner’s ADHD symptoms, and relationship quality. Anxious attachment was associated with lower romantic relationship quality, but avoidant attachment was associated with more positive relationship outcomes. Results also indicated that the negative effect of ADHD symptoms on romantic relationship quality may be exacerbated by a partner’s high level of anxious attachment. Though insecure attachment styles are generally thought to have a negative impact on romantic relationships, avoidant attachment was generally associated with more positive outcomes in this study. Several possible explanations based on theoretical support are included in the discussion along with clinical applications and future directions.

scholarly journals Why Some People Just “Can’t Get No Satisfaction”: Secure versus Insecure Attachment Styles Affect One’s “Style of Being in the Social World”

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Willem Verbeke ◽  
Frank Belschack ◽  
Richard P. Bagozzi ◽  
Rumen Pozharliev ◽  
Tsachi Ein-Dor
Keyword(s):  
Attachment Style ◽  
Commercial Bank ◽  
Attachment Styles ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Social World ◽  
Relationship Formation ◽  
Anxious Attachment ◽  
Luxury Goods ◽  
Avoidant Attachment ◽  
The Social

We first seek to explore the relationship between attachment styles of professional financial service customers and their ability to experience customer satisfaction and build relationships with a commercial bank. Secure attached people identify with the commercial bank, feel satisfied and are loyal with the commercial bank. Second, we question whether attachment styles and degrees of satisfaction are also reflected in a capacity to feel pleasure in attachments to luxury products, feel happiness and pro-activeness, develop positive relationships with others, and sleep well for multiple samples of non-commercial customers. Apparently, secure attached people form enjoyable attachments with luxury goods/brands. Equally, in life in general they show a proactive attitude and generosity toward others, and feel low envy. Anxious attachment style relates negatively with appraisal of and relationship formation with commercial banks, negatively with enjoyment and attachment to luxury goods, and negatively with generosity towards people and happiness. In addition, anxious attachment style relates positively with envy towards people and low sleep quality. Avoidant attachment style does not relate with any of the above variables except for a negative association with happiness with life in general. Finally, none of the attachment styles scales relates with the BIS-BAS scale, except that anxious attachment relates with the BIS scale, indicating largely that the attachment system does not function as an approach-avoidance system but helps in homeostatic regulation of stress due to the experience of quiescence with others. By studying how attachment styles affect people in commercial and general social domains we hope to pave the way for further exploration of the fundamental mechanisms that drive secure attached people as opposed to insecure attached people to generally experience positive emotions and outcomes in life. We tentatively suggest that compared to insecure attached people, secure attached people possess a different “style of being in the social world.”

Potential of Brand Personality: Attachment Styles as Moderator

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 34 ◽  
Author(s):  
LO Ying Tuan ◽  
Huam Hon Tat ◽  
Ahmad Sharifuddin Shamsuddin ◽  
Amran Md Rasli ◽  
Ahmad Jusoh
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Attachment Style ◽  
Coming Out ◽  
Attachment Styles ◽  
Brand Personality ◽  
The Other ◽  
Anxious Attachment ◽  
Brand Attachment ◽  
Avoidant Attachment ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of consumer’s attachment styles as a moderator in the impact of brand personality on its brand attachment. This research investigated the preferred brand personality of anxious and avoidant attachment consumer, their likelihood to be attached to that brand and how they respond to any changes in brand personality. A total of 300 students were surveyed. Their attachment style and their response towards sincere and exciting personality and its brand attachment were assessed. Empirical study shows that anxious attachment style consumer preferred sincere brand personality, tends to be attached with it and did not respond to any changes in brand personality.  Avoidant attachment style people on the other hand have a stronger relationship with the exciting brand personality, are not likely to be attached to it and will respond to changes in brand personality. This study implies that marketers should get to know their targeted market’s attachment style prior coming out with the suitable brand personality.

scholarly journals Validating the German Version of the Quality of Relationship Inventory: Confirming the Three-Factor Structure and Report of Psychometric Properties

PLoS ONE ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. e37380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris Reiner ◽  
Manfred Beutel ◽  
Christian Skaletz ◽  
Elmar Brähler ◽  
Yve Stöbel-Richter
Keyword(s):  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
German Version ◽  
Three Factor

Mother–child Attachment and Social Withdrawal in Urban Chinese Children

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin-Bin Chen ◽  
Jonathan Bruce Santo
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Attachment Style ◽  
Social Withdrawal ◽  
Chinese Children ◽  
Current Time ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Avoidant Attachment ◽  
Child Attachment ◽  
Peer Nomination

We examined the association between mother–child attachment and social withdrawal in Chinese urban children. Participants in the 1.5-year longitudinal study were 142 Chinese children (74 boys, 68 girls), who were initially aged between 6 and 10 years. Self-reported mother–child attachment style was measured at Time 1 and Time 2. Two subtypes of social withdrawal (i.e., shyness and unsociability) were measured by self-rating and peer nomination at Time 2. Regression analysis showed that attachment style predicted a different subtype of social withdrawal. Early secure and ambivalent attachment were associated negatively and positively, respectively, with self-reported shyness. Current (Time 2) avoidant attachment was positively associated with both self-reported and peer-rated unsociability, whereas current ambivalent attachment was negatively associated with self-reported unsociability. The findings underscore a specific connection between attachment style and social withdrawal subtype.

Social and psychological consequences of not crying: possible associations with psychopathology and therapeutic relevance

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 414-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale C. Hesdorffer ◽  
Ad J.J.M. Vingerhoets ◽  
Michael R. Trimble
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Attachment Style ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Panel Survey ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Anxious Attachment ◽  
Avoidant Attachment ◽  
Bidirectional Associations ◽  
Study Participants

ObjectiveEmotional crying is hypothesized to serve intra- and interpersonal functions. Intrapersonal functions are assumed to facilitate the capacity to recover from emotional distress, thus promoting well-being. Interpersonal functions are postulated to have a major impact on social functioning. We hypothesized that non-criers would have lower well-being and poorer social functioning than criers.MethodsStudy participants included 475 people who reportedly lost the capacity to cry and 179 “normal” control criers. Applied measures assessed crying, well-being, empathy, attachment, social support, and connection with others. Prevalence estimates of not crying by gender were obtained from a panel survey of 2,000 Dutch households.ResultsIn the main survey, tearless cases had less connection with others, less empathy, and experienced less social support, but were equal in terms of well-being. They also reported being less moved by emotional stimuli and had a more avoidant and less anxious attachment style. In multivariate analyses, being male, having an avoidant attachment style, and lacking empathy were independent predictors of tearlessness. Some 46.1% felt that not being able to cry affected them negatively; however, despite these findings, only 2.9% had sought any kind of professional help. Loss of the capacity to cry occurred in 8.6% of the men and 6.5% of the women in the large panel survey.ConclusionsDespite reduced empathy, less connection with others, and a more avoidant/less anxious attachment type, well-being is maintained in tearless people. Additional clinical and therapeutic investigations of tearlessness may lead to clarification of bidirectional associations between psychiatric disorders (e.g., alexithymia, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychopathy) and tearlessness.

scholarly journals Is Self-Other distinction malleable? Egocentric and altercentric biases in empathy are modulated by priming attachment style and similarity mindsets

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henryk Bukowski ◽  
Magdalena Boch ◽  
Claus Lamm ◽  
Giorgia Silani
Keyword(s):  
Attachment Style ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
The Other ◽  
Interpersonal Distance ◽  
Anxious Attachment ◽  
Affective Touch ◽  
Avoidant Attachment ◽  
Egocentric Bias ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experienced Emotion

Empathic abilities are increasingly shown to be modulated by interpersonal and contextual factors. However, causal evidence regarding self-other distinction abilities in empathy, as measured by egocentric and altercentric biases, is virtually non-existent. This study aimed to demonstrate how malleable such biases are by investigating the impact of two priming manipulations. Prior to completion of an affective touch task, experiment 1 primed a secure, avoidant, or anxious attachment style, whereas experiment 2 primed a similarities or dissimilarities focus. We predicted that, unlike affect sharing, self-other distinction benefits from interpersonal distance primed by avoidant attachment and dissimilarities focus. Experiment 1 revealed a modulation of the altercentric bias: the extent the other person’s feelings biased self-perspective judgments was significantly lower in the avoidant attachment group than in the secure and anxious attachment groups. Experiment 2 demonstrated that egocentric bias – the extent to which first-hand experienced emotion biases judgments of another person’s emotion – was significantly lower in the group primed with a similarities focus. These findings suggest that self-other distinction abilities in empathy are modulated by interpersonal and contextual factors, but in ways that differ from affect sharing (in Experiment 1), and non-affective self-other distinction (in Experiment 2).

scholarly journals Activating the Attachment System Modulates Neural Responses to Threat in Refugees with PTSD

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belinda J Liddell ◽  
Gin S Malhi ◽  
Kim L Felmingham ◽  
Miriam Den ◽  
Pritha Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attachment Style ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Trauma Recovery ◽  
Neural Responses ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Anxious Attachment ◽  
Avoidant Attachment ◽  
Hippocampal Activity ◽  
Refugee Trauma ◽  
Ptsd Group

Abstract Social attachment systems are disrupted for refugees through trauma and forced displacement. This study tested how the attachment system mitigates neural responses to threat in refugees with PTSD. Refugees with PTSD (N=28) and refugee trauma-exposed controls (N=22) viewed threat-related stimuli primed by attachment cues during fMRI. We examined group differences and the moderating effects of avoidant or anxious attachment style, and grief related to separation from family, on brain activity and connectivity patterns. Separation grief was associated with increased amygdala but decreased ventromedial prefrontal (VMPFC) cortical activity to the attachment prime, and decreased VMPFC and hippocampal activity to attachment primed threat in the PTSD (vs TEC) group. Avoidant attachment style was connected with increased dorsal frontoparietal attention regional activity to attachment prime cues in the PTSD group. Anxious attachment style was associated with reduced left amygdala connectivity with left medial prefrontal regions to attachment primed threat in the PTSD group. Separation grief appears to reduce attachment buffering of threat reactivity in refugees with PTSD, while avoidant and anxious attachment style modulated attentional and prefrontal regulatory mechanisms in PTSD respectively. Considering social attachments in refugees could be important to post-trauma recovery, based within changes in key emotion regulation brain systems.

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