title: The relationship of adult attachment constructs to object relational patterns of representing self and others.
abstract: This study examined the relation between attachment constructs assessed by self-report and object relations constructs assessed from narratives. Young adult participants (N = 65; median age 28) completed the Reciprocal Attachment Questionnaire (West, Sheldon, &Reiffer, 1987), provided a set of interpersonal narratives rated using the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale (SCORS; Westen, Barends, Leigh, Mendel, &Silbert, 1994), and completed other relationship-related measures. Results suggest some conceptual convergence between internal working models and representations of self, others, and relationships; for example, individuals who perceive significant others as offering a secure base for emotional connection tend to have complex, well-differentiated representations of self and others. In addition, multiple dimensions of object relationships were found to be significantly associated with participants' relationship status (current involvement in a significant relationship) and their parents' marital status.
authors.affiliation: Newton, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Mary L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Calabrese
authors.forename: Barry A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Farber
authors.forename: Drew
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Westen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004532:Ego; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009769:Object Attachment; D015588:Observer Variation; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods; D012649:Self Concept; D012650:Self Disclosure; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology