An integration of attachment theory and reinforcement sensitivity theory

This thesis examined how relationship experiences shape people's sensitivity to detect threat and reward in romantic relationships and substance use scenarios. Findings indicated that anxious individuals experienced difficulty in distinguishing between threat and reward. In contrast, avoidant individuals were quick to detect threat either fleeing or confronting the problem aggressively.

A multi-level investigation of leadership from an attachment theory perspective

This thesis investigated the nature of interpersonal relationships between leaders and followers in the workplace. Results indicated that the relationship styles of leaders and followers were associated with differential ratings of leadership across varying workplace contexts.

An examination of social support from an attachment theory perspective : the role of safe-haven and secure-base support in the giving and receiving of care

 This thesis examined attachment style differences in the provision and receipt of safe-haven and secure-base support in times of stress, and the functional outcomes of these types of support. Different patterns of social support provision and receipt were observed among anxious vs. avoidantly attached individuals.

An integration of attachment theory and reinforcement sensitivity theory as a conceptual framework for understanding trauma

 The research examined the associations between Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory, Attachment Theory, and trauma symptoms among victims of interpersonal violence. Findings demonstrated a link between attachment, threat sensitivity, and trauma symptoms, indicating that RST and Attachment Theory provides a useful theoretical framework to understand how interpersonal violence contributes to psychological trauma.

Attachment bonding and the receipt of care in the face of chronic illness

The relationship between social support and the mental health outcomes of chronic illness sufferers is regarded as complex with inconsistent findings across studies. More recently, researchers have argued that that these inconsistencies may be explained by attachment theory. In this preliminary study, we explored how attachment bonds with three distinct attachment figures – parents, best friends and romantic partners influenced arthritic young adults’ seeking of care. Forty-one arthritis sufferers aged between 18 and 33 years were administered an online questionnaire which included measures of attachment and the receipt of emotional and instrumental care. Significant differences were found in young adults’ attachment avoidance and anxiety ratings, and seeking of instrumental care across parents, best friends and romantic partners. These differences were associated with differences in the frequency and type of care received by young arthritis sufferers across the three attachment figures. Furthermore, arthritis severity was associated with the receipt of care from attachment figures however this relationship was partially mediated by attachment anxiety.

The associations between attachment style and leadership behaviours

Research has suggested that effective leadership, specifically the use of transformational and transactional leadership behaviours is heavily embedded in a leader’s interpersonal abilities. However, few studies have investigated the interpersonal factors that drive the appropriate use of transformational and transactional leadership behaviour in leader-follower settings. Attachment theory provides an appropriate framework in which to understand the epigenesis of leadership behaviours and the impact of these behaviours on followers. In this preliminary study, 31 manager-non manager dyads recruited from a Victorian education institution and a national telecommunications company (managers – Mean age = 48.32 years, SD = 7.59; non-managers –Mean age = 44.44 years, SD = 9.56) took part in an online questionnaire. As part of the online questionnaire, participants completed self-report measures of attachment, leadership behaviour and employee outcomes. Analyses revealed that managers’ attachment style made a significant contribution to their use of transformational and transactional leadership, which in turn, was associated with follower’s satisfaction and effectiveness ratings of their managers. Correlations between leader and follower ratings revealed that managers and non-managers held distinct perceptions of leadership performance. These findings are discussed within the context of attachment theory and the personal relationships literature.

Theory of planned behaviour and implementation intentions in dental attendance

The thesis used a model of health behaviour to examine the predictors of dental attendance. Older respondents who had strong intentions, low perceived vulnerability, stable plans to attend, and were influenced by significant others were more likely to have attended the dentist for preventive care in the last 12 months. The portfolio concludes that attachment theory is a useful conceptual framework for enhancing our understanding of the antecedents and consequences of childhood sexual abuse.

Attachment as a predictor of leadership and follower outcomes

Research has suggested that effective leadership, specifically the utilisation of transformational leadership behaviours, is heavily entrenched in a leader’s interpersonal skills. However, few studies have investigated the interpersonal factors that drive appropriate use of transformational and transactional leadership in leader-follower settings. Attachment theory provides a robust framework in which to chart the developmental precursors of effective leadership that underpin positive leader-follower relationships and potential organisational outcomes. In this study, 46 manager-non manager dyads recruited from a Victorian education institution, a national telecommunications company and a Victorian real-estate business (managers – Mean age = 48.5 years, SD = 7.78, non-managers – Mean age 43.92 years, SD = 8.72) took part in an online questionnaire. Participants completed measures of attachment, leadership behaviour and organisational citizenship behaviour. Path analysis revealed that manager’s attachment style significantly predicted follower ratings of transformational and transactional leadership behaviours. Additionally, follower ratings of leadership were associated with organisational citizenship behaviour. Thus, it is concluded that attachment theory provides a valid framework in which to understand follower perceptions of leadership behaviour and subsequent organisational outcomes. These findings are discussed within the context of attachment theory and the leadership literature.

Towards an integrative attachment-based model of relationship functioning

Based on attachment theory, this study developed a theory-based model of heterosexual relationship functioning that examined both proximal and distal factors and both actor and partner effects. A particular focus was on the underexplored issue of double-mediated effects between attachment orientation and relationship satisfaction. Data were collected from a community sample of 95 cohabiting and married couples with a mean age of 39.30 years. Participants completed measures of attachment, commitment, provision of partner support, trust, intimacy, destructive conflict management, and relationship satisfaction. The hypothesized model was largely supported. The association between attachment orientation and relationship satisfaction was mediated through a series of actor and partner variables. No gender differences were found across actor paths; however, differences were found in partner effects for men and women. The model has important implications for relationship researchers and practitioners. © 2013 The British Psychological Society.

The impact of chronic illness on relationships in early adulthood: a comparison study between healthy and arthritic young adults

While engaging in romantic relationships is regarded as a normative task during young adulthood, non-normative life events such as the emergence of chronic illness can mitigate against the successful negotiation of such tasks. Chronic illness brings with it a series of additional challenges and stressors to the realm of personal relationships that are thought to interrupt the development of normative interpersonal and intra-individual processes. However, few studies have examined how young adults faced with a chronic illness such as arthritis navigate romantic relationships and the consequences of illness and relationships on psychological adjustment. The aim of the study was to compare the relationship experiences of healthy young adults with those faced with arthritis. One hundred and nine young adults (M 23.01 years, SD 2.43) took part in the study. Of these participants 41 had been diagnosed with arthritis. A univariate MANOVA revealed arthritic young adults reported significantly more insecure attachment, lower levels of readiness for intimacy, and poorer relationship satisfaction compared to healthy young adults. Further correlational and regression analyses on the arthritic sample revealed psychological adjustment was related to arthritis severity, attachment and components of coping. Findings will be discussed in relation to attachment theory and coping processes.

Longitudinal evaluation of a risk-factor model for adolescent suicidality

This research developed two best-fitting structural equation models of risk factors for adolescent depression and suicidality: a core model, which included parenting factors, gender, depression, and suicidality, and an extended model, which also encompassed personality traits (Introversion and Impulsivity) and mood factors (Anxiety and Anger). Further, this research investigated the consistency of model fit across time (Le., 1 month & 12 months) and samples, and explored the effectiveness of the ReachOut! Internet site as a psychoeducational prevention strategy for adolescent depression and suicidality. Gender, age, and location differences were also explored. Participants were 185 Year-9 students and 93 Year-10 students aged 14 - 16 years, from seven secondary schools in regional and rural Victoria. Students were given a survey which included the Parental Bonding Instrument (Parker, Tupling, & Brown, 1979), the Millon Adolescent Personality Inventory (Millon, Green, & Meagher, 1982), the Profile of Mood States Inventory (McNair & Lorr, 1964), items on suicidal behaviour including some questions from the Revised Adolescent Suicide Questionnaire (Pearce & Martin, 1994), and questions on loss and general demographics. Results supported an indirect model of risk factors, with family factors directly influencing personality factors, which in turn influenced mood factors, including depression, which then influenced suicidality. At the theoretical level, results supported Attachment Theory (Bowlby, 1969), demonstrating that perceived parenting styles that are warm and not overly controlling are more conducive to an adolescent's emotional well-being than are parenting styles that are cold and controlling. Further, results supported Millon's theory of personality (1981), demonstrating that parenting style influences a child's personality. Short-term intervention effects from the internet site were a decrease in Introversion for the full sample, and decreased Inhibition and Suicidality for a high-risk subgroup. Long-term age effects were decreased Inhibition and increased Anxiety for the fall sample. There was also a probable intervention effect for Depression for the high-risk subgroup. No location differences for the risk factors were found between regional and rural areas.

Staff education to manage behavioural symptoms of dementia

The thesis investigated strategies for managing behavioural symptoms of dementia in nursing homes which involved developing and implementing an eight week education program. Results demonstrated that staff education can be associated with positive outcomes for staff members, while education alone is insufficient to change residents' behaviour. The portfolio investigated grief relating to loss of health through four case studies. Attachment theory, dual processing model and meaning reconstruction model were found to be clinically useful for both bereavement--related losses and health-related losses.

Parental influences upon their children's body image concerns and behaviours

An examination of the influence of parents revealed that sons' and daughters' perceptions of the direct and indirect pressures exerted by both mothers and fathers were more predictive of their body image concerns and body change strategies than the messages reported by parents. The professional portfolio presents four case studies of children referred to a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service with depressive symptomatology in relation to attachment theory.