The working models of attachment theory : qualitative characteristics and generalizability across relationships

Abstract

This study investigates characteristics of the working models of attachment theory. Working models are the cognitive-affective concomitants of the attachment styles (secure, anxious/ambivalent, and avoidant) proposed by Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters and Wall (1978) which theoretically incorporate one's beliefs and expectancies regarding the interpersonal qualities of others and of oneself. Three sets of hypotheses were proposed concerning a) the qualitative similarities and differences between the working models of the three attachment groups, b) the likelihood that the working models associated with each attachment group would be consistently applied across six different relationships, and c) the relative degree of consistency with which individuals comprising each attachment group apply working models across the relationships studied. A modified version of Hazan and Shaver's (1987) adult attachment measure assessed Check List of Interpersonal Transactions-Revised (CLOIT-R) assessed qualitative aspects of working models. Female Introductory Psychology students rated six targets on eight CLOIT-R dimensions: Dominant, Inhibited, Friendly, Mistrusting, Submissive, Exhibitionistic, Hostile, and Trusting. Results indicated that the working model for the secure group significantly differed from the working models of the nonsecure groups on seven of the eight CLOIT-R variables and the working models for the anxious/ambivalent and avoidant attachment groups differed on only three of the eight variables. Further, the working models for the three attachment groups tended not to be consistently applied across relationships. Only one variable, Dominant, for the anxious/ambivalent attachment group was consistently applied across all relationships. Lastly, individuals comprising the secure group were less consistent in the application of working models across relationships than were the nonsecure groups; however, no significant difference was detected in the degree of consistency with which individuals comprising the anxious/ambivalent and avoidant groups applied working models across relationships. Details regarding the findings are presented and implications for contemporary attachment theory are discussed.