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Using adult attachment theory to differentiate adult children’s internal working models of later life filial relationships

Shemmings, David (2006) Using adult attachment theory to differentiate adult children’s internal working models of later life filial relationships. Journal of Aging Studies, 20 (2). pp. 177-191. ISSN 0890 - 4065. (doi:10.1016/j.jaging.2005.12.001) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:10825)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2005.12.001

Abstract

During the past fifty years, research based on attachment theory has found that when relational partners' attachment systems are activated, significant differences emerge between the ways individuals respond to each other. These different attachment styles are related to the ways individuals characterise and conceptualise close relationships generally, referred to as ‘internal representations’. Internal representations of close relationships depend heavily upon whether individuals have a secure or insecure attachment style. Until recently, most attachment-based research has focused either on the parent–child relationship during infancy, or on adult 12

romantic relationships. Attachment researchers are now turning their attention to the parent–‘child’ relationship during the later stages of life. Later life filial relationships are of intrinsic interest to attachment researchers because they concern the same adults who were instrumental in forming the attachment organisation of the young child. This study considers filial attachments from the perspective of the adult ‘child’. Twenty-four participants were selected using the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) to include equal numbers of the three main attachment organisations. Six robust factors emerged, accounting for 71% of the variation. Confident Resolution and Resolved Yearning incorporated the secure attachment organisation. Distant Irritation and Dutiful Loyalty captured the insecure-avoidant style, with Unresolved Yearning and Entangled Resentment comprising insecure-ambivalent individuals.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.jaging.2005.12.001
Uncontrolled keywords: Later life filial relationships; Adult attachment theory; Q-methodology; Internal representations of close relationships
Subjects: H Social Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Depositing User: David Shemmings
Date Deposited: 12 Jul 2008 14:32 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:49 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/10825 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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