Attachment in Close Relationships 2500-EN-PS-EAc5-03
Attachment as an emotional bond is studied from three perspectives, as: the mental model of self and others, the personality trait, and the pattern of functioning in particular close relationships (e.g., in romantic relationships or parent-child relations). Attachment quality is the background of individual well-being, adjustment, socio-emotional development, and if not successful, of psychopathology. The course will provide comprehensive knowledge about attachment theory and clinical practice. It will allow students to understand: (1) mechanisms of individual differences in attachment (attachment styles) related with hyper- and deactivation of attachment behavioral system; (2) core rules of attachment assessment (based on: interviews, observations and self-reports) ; (3) and the background of attachment-based therapy and interventions. To this end attachment behavioral system and related behavioral systems of affiliation, sex, and caregiving will be analyzed in the context of parent-child and romantic relationships across the life-span.
(1) Attachment theory
(2) Attachment as psychological construct.
(3) Behavioral systems (attachment, sexual, affiliation, caregiving, and exploratory systems): Relations and cooperation between systems.
(4) Activation and deactivation of attachment behavioral system.
(5) Organized and disorganized attachment patterns (A, B, C, and D).
(6) Precursors of attachment security: Sensitivity, genes*environment interaction.
(7) Sensitive responsiveness and attachment
(8) State of the art in attachment assessment methods:
a. Adult Attachment Interview and Child Attachment Interview
b. Self-reports
(9) Attachment beyond infancy.
(10) Romantic love, sex, partner jealousy and attachment.
(11) Interview: procedure and reporting
(12) Interview: Example I
(13) Interview: Examples II
(14) Interview: Examples III
Type of course
Learning outcomes
Student will:
- internalize attachment theory in developmental-clinical approach and social and personality psychology approach;
- be able to carry out an attachment-based interview;
- understand the role of sensitive responsiveness in development of attachment security childhood and adulthood;
- understand situational mechanisms of activation of attachment behavioral system;
- be able to recognize individual differences in attachment.
Assessment criteria
Course grades will be determined as follows:
Final exam: 50%
The group case study report: 50%
The final examination will be comprised of open questions testing students’ knowledge or/and problem-solving questions.
The exam will be based on lecture materials and the indicated readings.
The case study report: students are expected to provide the written report based on attachment assessment carried out in one adolescent or adult person. The attachment assessment has to address a relationship with particular close person (attachment figure) of student choice. Assessment will be carried out based on interview and self-report assessment methods introduced during the classes. Students will work in teams to carry out and prepare the case report. Report should consist of: (1) description of the case, particular attachment figure targeted in the assessment, and the relationship quality between the case and his/her attachment figure; (2) description of attachment assessment methods used and the procedure of assessment; (3) transcript of interview(s) carried out in the case study; (4) the summary and the conclusions about the attachment quality of the case under the study.
Assessment criteria of the report will be based on: (1) the quality of assessment procedure; (2) the quality of attachment-based comments provided by students; (3) the validity and complexity of conclusions about attachment quality.
Based on the case study report provided to the lecturer and the exam students will receive feedback. Both, the case study report and exam must be passed in order to pass the course. The 60% cut-off is needed to pass the case report and the exam. The average count of both will be used to give the final grade.
When written works are given a grade, students will not lose points for problems with writing mechanics (i.e., grammar) but will receive corrective feedback.
Two unexcused and two excused absences are allowed. Students will be asked to complete additional work if they miss unexcused and excused classes mentioned above. Missing more than 4 classes is not permitted.
Students must respect the principles of academic integrity. Cheating and plagiarism (including copying work from other students, internet or other sources) are serious violations that are punishable and instructors are required to report all cases to the administration.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: