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Attachment patterns across multiple family relationships in adulthood: Associations with maternal depression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2004

SUSAN DICKSTEIN ,
RONALD SEIFER ,
KATHLEEN E. ALBUS  and
KARIN DODGE MAGEE
SUSAN DICKSTEIN
Affiliation:
Brown Medical School/Bradley Hospital
RONALD SEIFER
Affiliation:
Brown Medical School/Bradley Hospital
KATHLEEN E. ALBUS
Affiliation:
University of Maryland
KARIN DODGE MAGEE
Affiliation:
Brown University School of Medicine
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Abstract

We explored attachment in a family context by applying family systems principles to the investigation of multiple attachment relationships within families. This study focused on maternal adult attachment with respect to family of origin experiences (assessed using the Adult Attachment Interview [AAI]) as well as maternal marital attachment (assessed using the Marital Attachment Interview [MAI]). We examined associations between maternal adult attachment (or marital attachment) and three levels of family functioning including individual maternal depression symptoms, dyadic marital satisfaction (reported by mothers), and family unit functioning. We also examined associations between combined attachment security (consistent secure, AAI secure/MAI insecure, AAI insecure/MAI secure, and consistent insecure) and family outcomes. Finally, we assessed the extent to which attachment representations operate differently in the context of family stress, namely maternal depression. We found that attachment security with respect to particular relationships was differentially associated with different levels of family functioning. Examination of the security of combined adult and marital attachment further supported the multilevel organization of the family system.

Type
Research Article
Information
Development and Psychopathology , Volume 16 , Issue 3 , September 2004 , pp. 735 - 751
Copyright
© 2004 Cambridge University Press

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