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Attachment and interpersonal distress: examining the relationship between attachment styles and interpersonal problems in a clinical population
Author(s) -
Haggerty Greg,
Hilsenroth Mark J.,
ValaStewart Rosemarie
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
clinical psychology and psychotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.315
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1099-0879
pISSN - 1063-3995
DOI - 10.1002/cpp.596
Subject(s) - psychology , assertiveness , attachment theory , interpersonal communication , clinical psychology , interpersonal relationship , distress , population , scale (ratio) , anxiety , social psychology , psychiatry , medicine , physics , quantum mechanics , environmental health
The present study examined the relationship between self‐perceived attachment styles and interpersonal problems. Specifically, we utilized a clinical sample from an outpatient university‐based community clinic who completed the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale‐Revised, the Relationship Questionnaire and Inventory of Interpersonal Problems Circumplex Scales (IIP‐64) as part of a psychological assessment process. The results showed a significant positive correlation between the IIP‐64 total score and both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Findings revealed significant negative relationships between a secure attachment and the dominant, vindictive, cold, socially inhibited and non‐assertive subscales of the IIP‐64. Findings also revealed a significant positive relationship between a fearful attachment and the dominant, vindictive, cold, socially inhibited and non‐assertive subscales of the IIP‐64. Finally, results showed a significant relationship between a dismissive attachment and the dominant subscale of the IIP‐64. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.