Attachment Change in the Beginning Stages of Therapy: Examining Change Trajectories for Avoidance and Anxiety

Keywords

couple therapy, attachment, anxiety, avoidance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of self‐reported attachment change (avoidance and anxiety) in the context of six sessions of couple therapy designed to emphasize both therapist‐centered and couple‐centered (i.e., enactment‐based) clinical process during the beginning stages of therapy. A total of 48 couples with at least one partner who reported clinically significant relationship dissatisfaction participated in this study. Findings confirmed that some couples experience positive attachment‐related change (anxiety or avoidance), while also identifying a subset of individuals who may not experience optimal levels of attachment‐related change. In addition, findings point toward both differences and similarities between change trajectories for avoidance and anxiety. Finally, there was evidence that socio‐demographic factors may be associated with attachment change.

Original Publication Citation

Seedall, R. B.*, Butler, M. H.*, Zamora, J. P., & Yang, C. (2016). Attachment change in the beginning stages of therapy: Examining change trajectories for avoidance and anxiety. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 42(2), 217-230.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2015-12-28

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7277

Publisher

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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