Comparing Internal Working Models of Attachment with Conflict Management Behaviors
Research Article Critique
Associations between Working Models of Attachment and Conflict Management Behavior in Romantic Couples by Gary Creasey
The research question is to specify relations between internal working models of attachment (IWM) and conflict management behaviors in a sample of young adults involved in romantic relationships.
Design used in this research project was observational and correlational research design. Researchers measure variables through observation or surveys to describe and predict behavior. Creasey in this research project used a large questionnaire packet 2 weeks before the experiment then he administered the Adult Attachment Interview which was audiotaped with each partner separately. Next, they were asked to wait 15 minutes in a waiting room which was videotaped through a one-way mirror. Then the couples were asked questions about the common problems in romantic relationships and to rate the frequency and intensity with a research assistant independently. Then they were asked about conflict management for 15 more minutes.
Methods used in this research project were: One hundred forty-five romantic couples were recruited to address this goal. All participants were administered the 20-Item Adult Attachment Interview (George, Kaplan, & Main, 1996) and observed across 2 experimental conditions designed to simulate waiting room and conflict management contexts.
Analysis: To test the hypothesis in terms of predicting male positive behavior, a 5 (Male IWM) x 2 (Experimental Condition) mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. The results determined that preoccupied and dismissing males were not significantly different than secure males. Also it was discovered that preoccupied males and dismissing males were not much different in exhibiting positive behaviors. Finally, unresolved/insecure males did display less positive behavior than insecure males and that unresolved/secure males were not notably distinctive than
Associations between Working Models of Attachment and Conflict Management Behavior in Romantic Couples by Gary Creasey
The research question is to specify relations between internal working models of attachment (IWM) and conflict management behaviors in a sample of young adults involved in romantic relationships.
Design used in this research project was observational and correlational research design. Researchers measure variables through observation or surveys to describe and predict behavior. Creasey in this research project used a large questionnaire packet 2 weeks before the experiment then he administered the Adult Attachment Interview which was audiotaped with each partner separately. Next, they were asked to wait 15 minutes in a waiting room which was videotaped through a one-way mirror. Then the couples were asked questions about the common problems in romantic relationships and to rate the frequency and intensity with a research assistant independently. Then they were asked about conflict management for 15 more minutes.
Methods used in this research project were: One hundred forty-five romantic couples were recruited to address this goal. All participants were administered the 20-Item Adult Attachment Interview (George, Kaplan, & Main, 1996) and observed across 2 experimental conditions designed to simulate waiting room and conflict management contexts.
Analysis: To test the hypothesis in terms of predicting male positive behavior, a 5 (Male IWM) x 2 (Experimental Condition) mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. The results determined that preoccupied and dismissing males were not significantly different than secure males. Also it was discovered that preoccupied males and dismissing males were not much different in exhibiting positive behaviors. Finally, unresolved/insecure males did display less positive behavior than insecure males and that unresolved/secure males were not notably distinctive than
Cited: Baucom, D. & Epstein, N. (1990). Cognitive-behavioral martial therapy. New York: Brunner/Mazel. Bowlby, J. (1988). A secure base: Clinical applications of attachment theory. London: Routledge. George, C., Kaplan, N., & Main M. (1996). Adult attachment interview. Unpublished manuscript, Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley (3rd ed.). Schuengel, C., Bakermans-Kranenburg, M., & Van IJzendoorn, M. (1999). Frightening maternal behavior linking unresolved loss and disorganized infant attachment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 67, 54-63.