Attachment Theory and Brief Psychotherapy: Applying Current Research to Clinical Interventions

Abstract

Recent advances in attachment research provide a framework for defining the content and process of brief psychotherapy with adults. Attachment theory emphasizes a number of issues crucial to therapeutic work. Specifically, attachment relationships are enduring components of a individual's pattern of interpersonal behaviours. Functionally, attachment relationships address security needs. Insecure attachment arises from a representational model based on feared loss of the attachment figure, which predisposes the individual to have little confidence in the attachment figure's availability, responsiveness, and permanence. Behavioural responses to insecure attachment can lead to specific patterns of interpersonal relationships which, in turn, strengthen the representational model. Thus, a relatively stable, self-reinforcing system evolves and results in a consistent inability to experience security within attachment relationships. In this article, the authors describe the current framework for understanding adult attachment relationships and present clinical vignettes illustrating the saliency of attachment theory to common clinical presentations. The goal of the clinical intervention is defined as increasing the "permeability" of the individual's working model of attachment through affective and cognitive re-assessment of attachment experiences and expectations. Finally, the utility of this approach in evaluating the outcome and effectiveness of psychotherapy is highlighted.

Adult Attachment Styles: Some Thoughts on Closeness‐Distance Struggles

“…From an attachment perspective, if life events resonate with potential inaccessibility of the attachment figure or lead to patterns such as one partner withdrawing in anger, then one or both partners' attachment systems may become active (see West, Sheldon, & Reiffer, 1989). Under these conditions, persons' attachment systems may also be more sensitive such that more closeness (or distance) than is typical may be sought and separation anxiety may be triggered more readily (see Bretherton, 1985).…”

Assessing Adolescent and Adult Attachment: A Review of Current Self‐Report Measures

“…These include the Adult Attachment Interview (George, Kaplan, & Main, 1985), the Attachment History Questionnaire (Kessler, 1984), the Parental Attachment Questionnaire (Kenny, 1987), the Parental Bonding Instrument (Parker, Tupling, & Brown, 1979), the Psychological Separation Inventory (Hoffman, 1984), and the Inventory of Adult Attachment Dimensions (West, Sheldon, & Reiffer, 1989). We are aware of several other measures that are either directly or indirectly related to the assessment of attachment.…”

“…Bowlby, 1988;Guidano, 1987;Lyddon & Alford, 1993;Mahoney, 1991;West et al, 1989). Most accounts of psychotherapy from an attachment theory perspective suggest that a cognitive-affective revision of the client's working models of attachment is necessary for the correction of earlier insecure attachment experiences.…”

Attachment in Adult Child‐Older Parent Relationships: Research, Theory, and Practice

“…A consequence of this anxiety may be that other coping efforts that may be more effective, such as talking about the concern or trying to understand the meaning of the problem, often are not used (West et al, 1989). In working with these clients, the counselor must provide an environment that is calm and consistent.…”