CHANGES IN CLIENTS' ATTACHMENT STYLES OVER THE COURSE OF TIME-LIMITED DYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY

This study utilized a theory-specific measure to examine client relational change over the course of time-limited dynamic psychotherapy. Specifically, this is the first empirical investigation with a clinical sample to measure change and stability in clients' attachment styles. Categorical and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill.) Ill.), 2001, Vol.38 (2), p.149-159
Main Authors: Travis, Linda A, Binder, Jeffrey L, Bliwise, Nancy G, Horne-Moyer, H. Lynn
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attachment Behavior
Brief Psychotherapy
Female
Human
Male
Treatment Outcomes
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Summary:This study utilized a theory-specific measure to examine client relational change over the course of time-limited dynamic psychotherapy. Specifically, this is the first empirical investigation with a clinical sample to measure change and stability in clients' attachment styles. Categorical and dimensional ratings of attachment styles were obtained. Pretreatment and posttreatment measures of attachment styles were then examined in association with Global Assessment Scale (GAS) scores and symptoms. At posttreatment, a significant number of clients were evaluated as having changed from an insecure to a secure attachment style. Additionally, the sample as a whole demonstrated significant changes toward increased secure attachment. Significant relationships were also found among changes in attachment style, GAS scores, and symptom levels. Implications for psychodynamic/interpersonal psychotherapy research and practice are discussed.
ISSN:0033-3204
1939-1536
DOI:10.1037/0033-3204.38.2.149