Psyc 410 Midterm Study Guide: Intimate Relationships

created 3/7/25

Correlational Study

Examines relationships between variables without manipulation.

Experiment

Manipulates variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships.

Independent Variable

Variable manipulated to observe effects on dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

Variable measured to assess impact of independent variable.

Plagiarism

Using someone else's work without proper attribution.

Attachment Theory

Explains emotional bonds between individuals, especially caregivers.

John Bowlby

Pioneer of attachment theory, focused on child development.

Mary Ainsworth

Expanded Bowlby's work; developed Strange Situation procedure.

Strange Situation

Assessment of infant attachment styles through separation/reunion.

Attachment Styles

Patterns of attachment behavior categorized in infants.

Secure Attachment

Characterized by trust and comfort in relationships.

Anxious Attachment

Involves fear of abandonment and excessive worry.

Avoidant Attachment

Involves emotional distance and self-reliance.

Internal Working Models

Mental representations of self and others based on experiences.

Attachment Scripts

Cognitive frameworks guiding expectations in relationships.

Adult Attachment Interview

Structured interview assessing adult attachment styles.

Attachment Q-sort

Method assessing attachment through behavioral observations.

Self-report Measures

Surveys assessing individual perceptions of attachment styles.

Two-factor Model

Attachment conceptualized through anxiety and avoidance dimensions.

Four-factor Model

Includes secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful attachment styles.

Attachment Stability

Consistency of attachment styles over time.

Attachment Change

Shifts in attachment styles due to life events.

Priming

Activating specific memories or associations to influence behavior.

Behavioral Systems

Interconnected systems guiding behaviors like attachment and caregiving.

Trinity Model

Integrates attachment, caregiving, and sexual behavioral systems.

Oxytocin

Hormone associated with bonding and social behaviors.

Neuroimaging Studies

Examine brain activity related to attachment styles.

Cultural Differences

Variations in attachment styles across different cultures.

Earned Security

Achieving secure attachment despite past insecurities.

Disorganized Attachment

Characterized by lack of clear attachment behavior.

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Therapy focusing on emotional bonds in relationships.

Psychiatric Disorders

Mental health issues linked to insecure attachment.

Life Transitions

Major changes influencing attachment stability and change.

Attachment and Therapy

Explores how attachment styles affect therapeutic outcomes.

Attachment Security Priming

Enhancing feelings of security to improve mental health.

Mikulincer et al. Study

Research on attachment and cognitive accessibility under threat.

Bowlby's Metaphors

Dynamic processes describing attachment development.

Influence of Environment

Contextual factors affecting attachment stability and change.

Attachment Measurement

Methods used to assess attachment styles in adults.

Hazan and Shaver Measure

Self-report measure assessing adult attachment styles.

Bartholomew & Horowitz

Categorized attachment styles into four types.

Attachment Figures

Key individuals providing security and support in relationships.

Relationship Factors

Stage and length of relationship influencing attachment styles.

Gender Differences

Variations in attachment styles based on gender.

Racial/Ethnic Variations

Differences in attachment styles among diverse groups.

SES Variations

Influence of socioeconomic status on attachment styles.