Bowlby's (2012): Attachment Analysis

Attachment features and functions in adult romantic relationships (2012): Heffernan, Fraley, Vicary, and Brumbraugh’s (2012) theoretical background centers around Bowlby’s (1969/1982) attachment theory. According to the researchers, Bowlby’s attachment theory can be used as a normative model for the development, function, and dissolve of romantic relationships. Bowlby’s theory, as well as previous literature, influence Heffenan et al.’s (2012) primary research questions that they wish to examine: 1. What sequence do features and functions (proximity-seeking, safe haven, and secure base) of attachment emerge in adult romantic relationships? 2. Whether there is a threshold in relationship development in which romantic relationships could be
These research questions and hypothesis was tested through a cross-sectional internet WHOTO survey (Farley & Davis, 1997) (Study 1) and the other is a longitudinal study using the WHOTO survey (Farley & Davis, 1997) done at the researchers’ laboratory (Study 2). The findings in Study 1 showed that 75% of participants reported seeking proximity to their partner, 57.4% reported to using their partner as a safe haven in times of distress and 48.4% reported to using their partner as a secure base in which to explore. In regards to the proposed two-year threshold, Heffenan et al. (2012) found that proximity-seeking was relatively stable with relationship length, participants using their partner as a safe haven increased with relationships length, and interestingly, there was no threshold found for participants using their partner as a secure base. Furthermore, the findings showed the three attachment features and functions were present in many relationships that have lasted less than a year. Thus, the researchers conclude that people become attached in their romantic relationships rather quickly (Heffenan et al., 2012). In Study 2, a longitudinal study was